Chapter 4

I suppressed my anger and pushed the door open.

William immediately stubbed out his cigarette and got up to greet me, trying to put his arm around my waist. "What took you so long?"

He reeked of Karen's perfume, and his neck was covered with hickeys of varying shades. Clearly, they'd had quite a passionate few days.

"Lily!" Karen leaned against me affectionately. "We've all been waiting for you."

Waiting for me? Seems like making her choke on water that day was too easy on her.

I pulled my hand back and looked at William. "Why is she here?"

"Karen has no friends in America. Just thought we'd make it more fun." He brushed me off casually, then lowered his head to kiss me like he was in heat.

I dodged to the side.

"Mrs. Mason, come sit here!" Someone sensed the tension and quickly tried to smooth things over.

William frowned and leaned close to my ear, whispering, "Stop making a scene. Haven't you been punished enough? I promise she won't come to our anniversary, okay?"

"Then make her leave now."

His face darkened.

Karen hadn't expected me to be so firm. She immediately put on a pitiful act. "Lily... please let me stay. I'll do anything."

"Fine," I sat down on the sofa and pointed at the row of hard liquor on the table. "Finish all twelve of those, and you can stay."

The room fell silent.

Deep down, these people were still wary of me, a woman who grew up in the black market.

Karen stood there frozen, looking at William.

He pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

She had no choice but to pick up a glass and start drinking. One glass, two glasses...

By the third glass, William suddenly snatched the glass away and splashed the liquor in my face.

Before I could react, he straddled me, pinning me down. His left hand gripped my throat while his right hand grabbed a bottle and forced it into my mouth.

"You like watching others drink? I'll make you drink your fill!"

Liquor spilled from the corners of my mouth, running down my neck and into my clothes, flowing over the marks covering my body.

The more I struggled, the tighter he squeezed. Just as I was about to suffocate, the bottle was finally empty.

The room was terrifyingly quiet. Everyone held their breath.

He let go and stood up, straightening his suit.

Before I could catch my breath, he grabbed my arm and forced me to kneel. The floor was covered with broken glass that pierced into my flesh.

"Lily, I've really spoiled you," his voice was ice-cold. "Kneel down and apologize to Karen."

I tried to stand up, but my whole body felt weak. The next second, he kicked my knee and I fell heavily to the ground again.

Before me, Karen's figure began to blur and sway...

I lost control and collapsed forward.

Before losing consciousness, I heard William's mocking laugh. "Lily, stop playing these cheap tricks."