“What’s the point of killing you?” Stephen retorted, his expression impassive. “Ms. Mondez, since you refuse to talk, don’t blame me for what happens next.”

Rising to his feet, his presence remained as imposing as ever.

“Steve, what are you going to do to me?” Susan’s pale face was marked with dried tears, her eyes reflecting a sense of despair.

Stephen’s gaze hardened, his presence radiating a chilling indifference.

He didn’t answer her, simply turning to walk away.

“Steve, please don’t leave!” Susan’s voice trembled with anguish. “Can’t you stay with me just a little longer?”

Her plea was raw, filled with hopeless longing. “For more than a month, I endured inhumane torment. I… I…”

Her words faltered as sobs wracked her frail body.

“They violated me, Steve! Those monsters… They weren’t human and were worse than beasts! Every single day, I was beaten senseless. The food was barely edible—the bread was stale, and the oatmeal was nothing but murky water with barely any oatmeal. Even pigs wouldn’t eat the slop they gave me!

“I barely made it out alive… For over a month, you were my only hope the only thing that kept me going. As long as I held on to the thought of you, I found the strength to survive…”

Stephen stood with his back to her, his stance rigid and authoritative, radiating an air of control.

As Susan poured out her heart, his expression remained unchanged, revealing no emotion.

Through her sobs, Susan continued, “Every single day, I told myself I had to endure… I had to survive, no matter what. Because only if I stayed alive could I see you again. If I died… I would never get that chance…

“Steve, please… I’m begging you. Stay with me. I feel like I’m losing my mind. Every time I close my eyes, I see those monsters violating me… The pain in my heart is a thousand times worse than anything they did to my body.”

Her sobs came in broken, gasping breaths. “Just talk to me, please… Even if all you do is yell at me. Just say something-anything… Please, don’t go. Don’t leave me. I just… I just wanted to see you one last time. Steve, you are the only light in my life!”

Any other man might have wavered at such pitiful words, but not Stephen.

His heart remained an unshaken abyss-cold, indifferent, untouched by her suffering. He didn’t even glance back.

Without hesitation, he turned and strode away.

Behind him, Susan watched in despair as the last shred of hope drained from her eyes.

Outside the basement, Stephen turned to his bodyguard. “Make her talk. Get something useful out of her.”

“Yes, sir.”

Sympathy?

Compassion?

Perhaps he was capable of such things, but never for someone who had tried to harm Tessa.

A little over a month ago, Susan had nearly killed her.

Anyone who dared to lay a hand on Tessa would pay the price.

Stepping out of the base, Stephen glanced at his watch-10:00 am.

Tessa must be awake by now-and most likely, hungry.

Exhausted from Stephen’s relentless affection, Tessa had drifted back into a deep sleep after her bath.

By the time she stirred awake, it was already noon.

Sunlight streamed through the half-drawn curtains, casting a

glow over the pale blue duvet waret

at the

foot of the bed.

Dust motes floated lazily in the air, shimmering in the soft light.

The moment Tessa opened her eyes, a rich, mouthwatering aroma filled her senses.

Her hair was a tangled mess, and

she was still wrapped in her cozy bear-print pajamas. With half-lidded eyes she followed the irresistible scent.

BUMS

In the dining room, the table was

of

already set-three carefully platedet oatmeal sat waiting.

dishes and two steaming bowls

The soft hum of the kitchen range hood filled the air.

Tessa turned toward the kitchen, a puzzled expression on her face.

Stephen emerged, wearing an apron and carrying a bowl of stew.

“You’re awake,” he said, setting the bowl down on the table.

It was pork and potato stew-her favorite.

“You must be hungry. Go wash up and come eat,” he added, looking every bit the

picture of a doting househusband.