Chapter 2
When I awoke, the antiseptic smell filled the room, and a dull ache throbbed in my legs, forehead, face, and chest. Ezekiel sat at my bedside, eyes closed, looking like he was asleep.
Once, he was the man I loved passionately, but now he seemed like a monster, sending chills down my spine at just the sight of him. I struggled to sit up, accidentally waking Ezekiel. Seeing me awake, a brief look of relief crossed his face, quickly replaced by cold indifference.
"Don't think your illness means we're over the issues with my parents. Once you're better, we'll settle the score," he warned.
I was too exhausted to defend myself; I simply turned my head away. Seeing my reaction, Ezekiel looked like he wanted to argue, but was interrupted when Lucas, the bodyguard, called him away.
As soon as he left, I yanked out the IV needle from my hand and limped my way out of the hospital room. Just as I reached the stairwell, Ramona's voice came from behind me:
"Mina! How low can you go? You've been publicly dumped 99 times and still cling to Ezekiel!"
With Ezekiel gone, Ramona dropped her act completely. Noticing my injuries, she laughed scornfully.
"Well, well, well, look at Miss High-and-Mighty all bruised up! So what if you come from old money? I still have you under my heel!"
I paused and turned to face her.
"Ramona, what do you think will happen when Ezekiel finds out it was you who made that last call to his parents, the one you lied about? How do you think your fate will differ from mine?"
Her face darkened instantly.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she retorted, a malicious glint in her eyes as if she realized something.
"You don't need to trap me with your words. If you had any proof, you'd have shown it to Ezekiel already."
"I'm going to take the title of Mrs. Chapman! I’ll make sure you forever endure Ezekiel’s hatred!"
With that, she rushed to the edge of the stairs and intentionally fell.
In the next moment, a figure pushed me aside and rushed to Ramona, who was sobbing hysterically and trembling all over.
"Ezekiel, she pushed me down the stairs because I was accused of ruining your wedding. She threatened to post indecent photos of me online if I didn’t leave you."
"I’m so sorry, Mina. Please, I beg you, let me go...."
Ezekiel’s forehead veins bulged, and fury simmered on his face.
"Mina, do you need a grave to cry? Are indecent photos your thing? Fine! I'll make sure you get plenty!"
Lucas pinned me down, and I could only shake my head, desperately denying everything.
"It wasn't me! I didn’t even touch her!"
But Ezekiel didn’t believe a word. After ensuring Ramona was settled, he poured a white powder into my mouth, stripped me, and threw me into a car.
Soon, the drug took effect. My face flushed, and soft cries escaped my lips. A camera on the dashboard captured everything.
Ezekiel watched through the car window, grinning maliciously.
"Enjoy taking photos, do you? Today, you’ll get all you want."
Tears filled my eyes as I silently pleaded for his mercy, but he wouldn’t relent.
After finishing a cigarette, he opened the car door and lunged at me.
"Mina, you're such a tease even in a car! Wouldn't it be a shame not to share this with everyone?"
I shook my head frantically, but Ezekiel ignored me, unbuckling his belt and violating my body.
The bodyguards around the car laughed and watched as I was utterly humiliated.
At that moment, I gave up fighting back.
Later, Ezekiel seemed ready to hurl more insults, but he froze when he met my vacant, hollow stare. For a long while, he said nothing.
Finally, he spoke.
"I’ll keep this video safe. Bully Ramona again, and I won't let you off easy like this."
That afternoon, the video went viral. Ramona texted me:
"Mina, everyone says you have a great body and sound wild. How much do you charge for a night?"
"You're trash, and Ezekiel will never marry you!"
The comments below the video were filled with vile insults. I burst into laughter suddenly, but it transformed into gut-wrenching sobs as I curled up, trembling.
Fully disguised, I took a cab to the seaside. The driver looked at me like I was worthless. I was too ashamed to meet his gaze. I handed him a wad of cash and quickly got out.
At the beach, the wild roar of the wind filled my ears. I took one last look at my phone vibrating madly and then resolutely walked into the depths of the sea.