Chapter 2

The pain I experienced was beyond anything I had felt in over twenty years of life.

I felt as if each of the ten bones in my fingers was being methodically shattered, my heart breaking in tandem. As I stared in disbelief, Isaiah's expression only became more determined and severe.

"If you refuse to repent, I'll ensure you understand the consequences of mistreating Kali."

Just a week ago, I was performing at my own piano recital, and now I found myself robbed of the ability to play by the man I loved the most—my husband. He knew how much I treasured playing the piano. Aside from loving him, it was the center of my world. But because I damaged the Victorian-style dress he had carefully prepared for Kali, he destroyed my fingers on our wedding day, crushing both my love and dreams.

As I gradually woke up from surgery, the bandages encasing my hands confirmed that this nightmare was real. Remembering the intense pain, tears trickled from my usually strong eyes.

Yet upon waking, I heard another sound.

"Isaiah... Were you upset backstage during the wedding...?"

It was Kali's voice! Her tone was so alluring and intimate—what were they doing?

"Your beautiful skin, Kali. When Paisley tore your dress, how could I not react to such a vision? Let me indulge in you bit by bit, like a sweet treat..."

Isaiah and Kali... right here in my hospital room, entwined... What had I become to them?

I clenched my eyes shut, unable to bear witnessing more, as tears of humiliation flowed down my cheeks into my ears. I felt as though I had gone deaf.

I thought he was my beloved husband, but he truly betrayed me... Being intimate with my bridesmaid right beside my hospital bed, treating me as if I were invisible.

"Isaiah... You know, it's not really fair to Paisley. She was about to compete in an international piano competition. Won't she resent you?"

Isaiah laughed darkly, breathless, "Isn't it perfect? This way, you can take her place in the competition. Only my Kali deserves to win and bring glory. Her talent is insignificant. Besides, I've already made her Mrs. Cruz; she won't go hungry just because she can't play... Oh, Kali, you're incredible..."

"And you know, Kali, I won't let anyone who harms you go unpunished, even if that person is my wife."