Chapter 4

I locked myself in the resort bathroom, my back pressed against the cool tile wall as I struggled to breathe. The overhead lights buzzed, casting a harsh glow on my reflection in the mirror. The red handprint on my cheek stood out like a brand—Frederick's mark of ownership. Of betrayal.

I touched my cheek gently, wincing as my fingers brushed the tender skin. Nine years together. Nine years of building a life, a career, a future. And in one moment, with one slap, he had destroyed everything I thought we were.

"You ungrateful, bitter woman," he had hissed, his face…