Chapter 3

Victor leapt to his feet, his sudden movement toppling the wine table, scattering cups and plates across the floor.

"Dante, have some respect! Elysia is still present! If you must cause a scene, do it elsewhere. Don't embarrass yourself here!"

His hands balled into fists, his neck pulsing with barely contained fury.

I inwardly scoffed at the irony. I motioned calmly, my face a mask hiding my inner turmoil.

"It's of no consequence. Let them enjoy themselves if they wish. I'm indifferent."

Dante chuckled mockingly, his hand boldly sliding beneath Seraphina's gown. "See? She doesn't mind. Why are you so agitated?"

Victor's tone turned icy, his words cutting. "No! Such behavior is inappropriate in public. Don't sully Elysia's presence!"

Dante's grin wavered, annoyance flashing across his features. He lifted Seraphina into his arms and marched toward the adjacent chamber.

"Very well. We'll relocate. We'll have our fun elsewhere. You stay here and watch over your silent girl!"

Seraphina nestled against him, glancing back with a mix of scorn and victory before vanishing into the next room.

Victor slumped into his seat, his gaze distant. He was so distracted he failed to notice the wine overflowing from my teacup.

I tapped his hand, my thoughts sharp in his mind as I gestured, I don't consume alcohol. Have you forgotten?

Before he could answer, a high-pitched sound of pleasure pierced the walls from the neighboring room.

Victor's face contorted with rage. In one swift motion, he grabbed the wine jug and smashed it on the ground, the crash emphasizing his anger.

"Elysia, it's your birthday," he said, his voice softening to an almost pleading tone. "At least share a drink with me. Just one."

I shook my head firmly, but he disregarded my refusal. He poured the wine down my throat, ignoring my protests.

The burning sensation spread instantly, scorching my body. The pain and itching were unbearable, and I collapsed, unable to resist the alcohol's effects.

Victor used my condition as an excuse to empty the room, forcing the guests to depart. Once alone, he barged into the next room, flinging the door open with such force it shook on its hinges.

Without hesitation, he knocked Dante unconscious with a single strike and dragged a shocked Seraphina into my room.

Victor pinned her against the door, his hand firmly gripping her throat. His voice was low and venomous. "I warned you—don't interfere with my wife. Are you hard of hearing?"

Seraphina's lips curled into a defiant smile, her voice quivering with feigned innocence. "I simply missed you, that's all."

She cocked her head, her gaze challenging despite the pressure on her neck. "I left, as you desired. But then Lord Vic brought me back. What's wrong, Victor? Aren't you worried your precious wife will be heartbroken seeing me here?"

Victor's eyes fell on the red mark adorning Seraphina's chest, a mix of irritation and jealousy flickering in his gaze.

"What is our esteemed Lord Vic doing?" Seraphina taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Speaking to me like this in front of your wife…"

She gasped suddenly, her words cut short as Victor tugged at her dress, revealing more of her slim figure.

Seraphina panted, her voice trembling with a blend of excitement and provocation. "Lord Vic, do you admire this stone necklace around my neck? These stones—they're your sweetheart's tears. I never expected them to be so radiant and full!"

Victor's expression darkened, his voice low and dismissive. "It suits you. I'll get you more next time."

I lay there, intoxicated and suffering from an allergic reaction. Though my body betrayed me, shaking and weak, my mind remained agonizingly alert. The sharp pain in my chest intensified as I clenched my fists.

My tears... my sorrow... used to please this sea monster.

Their laughter and chaos grew louder, moving from the doorway to the wine table and then, unbearably, to my side.

"The floor is cold..." Seraphina whispered coyly.

"Sensitive, aren't you?" Victor sneered but reached for my cloak—a cherished garment he had meticulously crafted with feathers collected over millennia. This cloak had protected me from the harsh winds of the underworld and carried the weight of ten thousand years of companionship.

Without hesitation, he spread the cloak beneath Seraphina, his actions devoid of the gentleness he once reserved for me.

Their intertwined forms continued to move, Seraphina's moans and cries growing increasingly loud.

"Scream," Victor growled. "Scream as loudly as you can. I love hearing you plead for mercy."

I watched the scene, my heart shattering anew. When Victor was with me, he was always controlled, restrained. Even on our wedding night, he had treasured me, his every touch careful and deliberate. This unrestrained passion was something I had never witnessed before.

At last, they seemed to tire. Seraphina slumped against Victor's chest, her voice soft and honeyed. "My body feels sticky and uncomfortable... May I use your wife's handkerchief?"

Victor shoved her away, his tone as cold as ice. "With you? Are you even worthy?"

Seraphina pouted, her lips curling into a sulk. "Men are so cruel. You don't even acknowledge people after satisfying your desires. Fine, I'll leave—I'm sure someone else will want me."

"You dare!" Victor snapped, his anger flaring again. Yet, instead of leaving her to manage on her own, he reached into my sleeve, extracting my handkerchief. With infuriating gentleness, he began to clean Seraphina's skin.