Chapter 2

I had been deceived by his attractive appearance and sweet falsehoods, naively thinking that if I suffered enough, my parents would eventually sympathize and allow our marriage.

Now, I understood the truth. No one would come to my rescue. My survival depended on my own actions.

I couldn't continue this way. Prolonging this situation would likely result in my death from abuse.

Pushing aside my dignity, I adopted a pitiable expression and gazed at Elion. "Elion, I was mistaken. I'll comply with your wishes. Please, release me."

His ego swelled as he withdrew his foot, confident in his dominance over me. He gestured to his companions, boasting about my disheveled appearance. "Look how easily I can make her obey."

He grinned, his words oozing with misplaced pride. "Women just need initial persuasion. If they resist, you discipline them. Believe me, they'll yield."

Their jeers echoed around me, and I forced myself to join in their laughter, despite the anger churning inside.

Laugh while you can, Elion. Your comeuppance is imminent.

Feigning enthusiasm, I indicated the wine collection. "Would you all like some drinks? My father imported these wines from overseas. They're worth a fortune, possibly hundreds of thousands per bottle!"

As greed sparked in their eyes, my mind sharpened with resolve. Once they were intoxicated, I'd seize my opportunity for retribution.

Elion's friends exchanged glances before rushing towards the wine, but only after Elion lazily waved his hand, as if granting permission.

They treated him as the undisputed owner of the villa, their behavior both shameless and pitiful.

Observing their eager scramble, Elion sneered, his voice laced with disdain. "Such ignorant fools!"

He turned back to me, exuding arrogance. "By the way, I replaced all your family's wine long ago and sold the originals. These are just cheap imitations. Ha!"

Fury simmered within me, but I maintained a calm exterior.

I had given him vast sums monthly, yet he had the audacity to steal and sell my family's wine like a common thief. What an ungrateful, avaricious fraud!

Forcing a smile, I said, "It's alright. As long as no one dies, I'll fetch some snacks to accompany their drinks."

I moved towards the door, but Elion grabbed my arm, pulling me back with his usual entitled smirk. "Don't bother. Your job is to attend to me, not them. I'm not hungry, so you're not buying anything."

A wave of anger surged through me, and I resisted the urge to strike his arrogant face. But I wasn't foolish. Against ten grown men, I knew I was outmatched.

Elion drew me close, his mock gentleness as stifling as his grip. "Vernia, you've been causing trouble for weeks, and your parents still haven't agreed to our marriage."

His lips curled into a menacing smile. "It's your birthday today. Let's make it unforgettable; let's end our lives together. Once you're gone, your parents will regret everything and live in eternal guilt."

My fists clenched at his words, veins protruding as I struggled to maintain composure.

Indeed, my parents would suffer immensely, but Elion? He'd escape unscathed, reveling in the pain he caused, free to continue his life unaffected.

I broke free from his oppressive embrace and plastered on a foolish smile, mimicking my former naive self. "You're absolutely right! Why don't I call my parents first and give them something to worry about? That way, when they discover my body later, it'll be even more devastating!"

Elion laughed heartily, his arrogance on full display. "Vernia, you're still the cleverest of them all!"

Pretending to hesitate, I asked, "May I use your phone? Mine ended up in the pool, thanks to your kick."

Elion, ever the fool, tossed his phone to me as if bestowing a great favor.

With the phone in hand, I began walking towards the door, pretending to dial my father's number. I sensed his presence following me closely.

He was more cautious than I had anticipated.

I turned slightly and asked, feigning genuine curiosity, "Where do you think we should go to end our lives together?"

Without hesitation, Elion replied, "Holden Tower, of course. It's your family's building. This way, your parents will have to pass by the spot of your death every day on their way to work. It'll destroy them."

Holden Tower. The very place where my life had once before come to an end.

Elion's laughter erupted again, his entire body shaking as if he could already envision the aftermath of my demise, my parents consumed by guilt and remorse.

The moment my father answered, his voice exploded through the receiver. "Elion, you despicable scoundrel! How dare you contact me again? Ten billion dollars? Keep dreaming! You'll never receive a single penny from me!"