Chapter 1

Third wedding anniversary.

I carefully chose 999 red roses for Fiona.

But her male secretary had an allergic reaction.

Fiona was livid. She manipulated me by using my mom's keepsake as leverage, compelling me to fight a lion.

She nonchalantly instructed her subordinates, "It's fine if he dies, as long as it dispels the bad luck for Asher."

I stayed silent.

With six ribs broken and my body battered, I managed to leave with the keepsake.

Behind me, Fiona sneered, "He's just a lowly bodyguard I keep around. How can a dog leave its master?"

Fiona didn’t know.

Someone had already bought my contract at a high price long ago.

This time, I'm going to protect someone else.

The iron cage opened, and a massive lion roared.

I faced it barehanded and was instantly knocked to the ground!

On stage, Fiona clenched her fists.

Asher's face was flushed, and his eyes sparkled.

Fiona’s frown relaxed, it seemed what they said was true.

This might actually ward off bad luck for Asher.

The lion charged, and I felt my insides break apart.

I punched the lion’s eye with all my strength.

Gasps echoed around.

Covered in blood, I never backed down.

I grabbed the nearby hunting rifle and shot the lion in the throat.

One shot, dead. At the cost of six ribs broken and my body mauled.

I won.

I successfully retrieved my mom’s keepsake.

As I was about to leave the underground arena, Jasper suddenly looked pale and coughed heavily.

Fiona's gaze changed immediately, snatching the keepsake I fought for from my arms.

She smashed the jade bracelet hard, pieces scattered everywhere.

Fiona frowned slightly, looking at me with disdain.

"Was it worth troubling Asher for a bracelet? Are you satisfied?"

I opened my mouth but was speechless.

Asher choked on water, and Fiona splashed black dog blood on the keepsake.

He coughed, and Fiona used the keepsake to force me to fight the lion.

My ribs were broken, and blood flowed uncontrollably.

I didn’t understand who was really at fault.

I dug my nails deep into my palms.

I knelt down, skillfully bowing my head to her.

"I'm sorry, Miss, please forgive me."

I bent over painfully, cherishing the broken pieces in my arms.

Mom, this time, I'll take you away.

The act of kneeling stained my shirt with more blood.

Fiona's pupils contracted, her brow furrowed.

She surprisingly helped me up.

"As long as you don't oppose Asher, I can let you stay and have a meal."

Her tone was condescending, as if granting a great favor.

As she finished speaking, Asher suddenly fainted without warning.

Fiona's face turned tense, as Asher’s follower whispered.

"Ms. Shen, it might be the dead person’s item bringing bad luck, causing Mr. Qin discomfort."

I lifted my head.

A fleeting victorious gleam flashed in Asher’s eyes, but they were closed.

He gripped Fiona’s hand, understandingly said, "Lili, I'm fine. After all, it’s Brother Jiang's mother’s keepsake. I can bear it."

Fiona tenderly stroked Asher’s cheek, coldly ordered me.

"Throw away that disgusting thing. If Asher feels unwell again, you can leave too."

I looked at her indifferently, firmly heading for the door.

Seeing my lack of reaction, Fiona’s chest heaved with frustration.

She ordered someone to bring a whip, sneering lightly.

"A dog dares to defy its master? Just beat it."

The whip fell like raindrops, each strike accompanied by a fierce whooshing sound.

Already wounded by the lion’s fangs, my injuries bled more freely.

The force of the blows weakened, and Fiona mocked.

"Seems I’ve been too lenient with you. You don’t even know how to beg anymore?"

Every pain reminded me.

Constant retreat only makes her bolder.

I bit my lip hard, clutching the shards tightly, suppressing my screams.

Fiona paused, swinging the whip mercilessly.

The whipping lasted a long time, the lion’s corpse reeking of blood, blurring my consciousness.

Before losing consciousness.

I vaguely heard Fiona's cold laughter.

Her fingers casually swiped my phone screen.

"A dog wants to book a flight to run away? Break its legs."

"Only 99 lashes, just use some medicine to keep it alive."

"By the way, check on Asher. His health isn’t good, remember to give him the best medicine."

I lost control and fainted.

My mind couldn’t stop thinking.

Now, I’ll miss the flight.