Chapter 2 - The Mask Slips
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He hit me hard. Much harder than I could have ever anticipated. My head snapped violently to the side, my vision momentarily flashing white as a blinding pain radiated through my jaw. The sheer force of the impact sent me stumbling backward, my heavy gown tangling around my ankles. For one silent, endless second, the only thing I could register was the sharp, metallic taste of fresh blood flooding my mouth from where my teeth had caught the inside of my cheek. The opulent penthouse suite spun wildly out of focus.
Then, Daniel leaned in close. He invaded my personal space, his chest pressed almost against mine, and I could suddenly smell the heavy, sour stench of straight whiskey coating his breath.
“Stay out of my family’s business,” he snarled, his voice a venomous whisper completely devoid of the warmth I had fallen in love with.
I slowly turned my head back to look at him. I mean, I really looked at him.
This was the charming, charismatic man who had brought extravagant bouquets of lilies to my corporate office every Tuesday. This was the sensitive man who had openly wept during our wedding vows just hours ago, promising to cherish and protect me. This was the man who had spent eighteen long, calculated months actively convincing me that he was absolutely nothing like his ruthless, domineering father.
It had all been a meticulously crafted illusion. The mask had completely slipped, revealing the monster hiding underneath the tailored tuxedo.
His right hand was still raised in the air, trembling slightly with adrenaline, preparing to strike me a second time to ensure my total submission. He expected me to cower. He expected me to cry, just as Evelyn was quietly sobbing against the marble table behind him.
But I didn't cry. I didn't cower.
Instead, I reached out with lightning speed and caught his raised hand mid-air, my fingers wrapping tightly around his wrist.
Daniel let out a short, incredulous laugh, clearly amused by my futile resistance.
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“What are you—” he started to say, a condescending smirk playing on his lips.
He never got to finish that sentence.
