Chapter 3

"Albert, is this okay?" a man asked cautiously.

Albert West gave a slight smile. "Of course! The Bennett family is facing some troubles right now, and they won't be bouncing back anytime soon. You all go ahead—I've got your backs..."

Clinging to Albert's arm with the last of my strength, tears streamed down my face like a cascade of pearls. "Albert, tell me why?"

Why treat me this way? I gave you all my sincerity. Why do this to me?

Albert's eyes flared with anger. He grasped my chin firmly.

"Adaline, hasn't your family done enough wicked things? This is just the start. There's plenty more suffering ahead for you!"

With a flick of his wrist, I was tossed onto the bed, feeling weak and powerless. Without a backward glance, Albert left the honeymoon suite with Esme Montgomery in his arms. Esme looked back at me as she left, her eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction.

"Help... someone help..." I tried to curl up, but my arms were too weak to move, leaving me exposed to the air.

I wanted to escape, but someone seized my ankle, pulling me to the edge of the bed. Hands reached out toward me.

I bit my tongue hard until the taste of blood filled my mouth, giving me a shred of strength. I remembered how Mom, believing it would ward off evil, had placed a safety pin under my pillow. That was my only hope.

The drug's effects had me gasping for air, and the overwhelming sensations blurred my vision. I kept biting down hard, feeling the warm trickle of blood at the corner of my mouth.

One of the men grabbed my chin and slapped me hard across the face. "Playing the tough girl, huh?"

My hand finally found the object beneath the pillow.

"Stay back!" I pulled out the safety pin, waving it frantically.

"Oh, she's got a weapon! What's next, Adaline? Into kinky stuff? We'll join you!"

They laughed, undeterred by the pin in my hand. I retreated to a corner, hugging myself tightly.

With the safety pin raised, I hesitated only for a moment before plunging it into my stomach, and the room fell silent.

Before they could react, I stabbed again. Pain collided with the drug's effects, sharpening my senses.

"You want me dead? I'll grant your wish!"

The bed was soaked in blood, blending with the crimson sheets. My strength waned, and I slipped into unconsciousness from blood loss.