Chapter 1
Everyone in Vyrtham knew that the infamous killer Veyne had only one weakness–me, Eleanor.
I was his soft spot, an indelible mark on his heart.
Once, at my word, he studied etiquette for me, dismantled every black–market chain he owned, and turned to charity.
He told me I was pure like an angel, and that loving me felt like a blessing.
I believed him. On graduation day, I married him without hesitation, defying my father’s objections.
Five years into our marriage, he still treated me like his world.
This man, ruthless and commanding outside, would come home and cook for me, rub my back, pamper me like no one else.
He, who never backed down to a
anyone, softened up
showed my parents the utmost deference.
When my father got into legal trouble, he ran around pulling strings, hiring the best lawyer to defend him.
But on the day of the trial, the only key witness didn’t show
- up.
My father was convicted–not of self–defense, but of in manslaughter.
And the moment the verdict was announced, Veyne stood up.
and applauded.
I went mad. I tracked down the missing witness and demanded to know why she’d disappeared at the last minute.
She slapped me across the face.
“You think I wanted to bail? Your husband kidnapped my parents. He threatened me! What was I supposed to do?”
I stood frozen. Then, I heard Veyne’s footsteps behind me.
“Eleanor, Sylvia’s brother died,” he said calmly. “Someone had to pay the price.”
“Your dad’s just doing a few years in prison. Let it go.”
***
A
“Your dad’s just doing a few years in prison.
Let
“}
it
- go.
I never thought I’d hear those words from Veyne.
Just the night before, he’d held me in his arms, comforting me, telling me justice would prevail.
But now, he was the one who sent my father to jail.
I stumbled as I turned, grabbing his collar with trembling hands. My voice came out hoarse, almost broken.
“Why, Veyne? Why would you do this?”
He pried my hands off his shirt, clasped them in his own, and looked at me with eyes as cold as ice.
“I told you. Your father took a life. He has to pay the price.”
“But you know it was self–defense! If he hadn’t fought back, the one who would’ve died was
“That doesn’t matter, Eleanor,” he interrupted. “I promised Sylvia I’d protect her. Her future can’t be tainted.”
I stared at him, stunned by how indifferent he looked.
“So what you’re saying is… my father’s life doesn’t matter?”
Ma
M
“You’re worried about Sylvia’s spotless future–fine. But what about me? What about my dad? How can we prove our innocence?”
Chapter 1
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Veyne frowned slightly. “You don’t have to. You’re my wife–no one would dare say a word against you. And once your dad gets out, if he wants, I’ll send him and your mom abroad for retirement.”
I let out a bitter laugh, the tears falling before I even realized they were coming.
“So that’s it? The rest of our lives, we just follow your plan like puppets?”
N
His face darkened. “Eleanor, you need to learn to be sensible. This case is closed.
Sensible?
I yanked my hand from his grip, surrounded by mockery.
“And what if I’m not?”
Veyne’s gaze grew sharper, like a cold, bottomless abyss
“You should know–without a witness, you can appeal a hundred times and still get
He leaned in, voice low and cold beside my ear, eyes drifting past my shoulder.
“And Eleanor… I know you wouldn’t want anyone else dying because of you,
My pupils shrank
the same result.”
would you?”
I turned around and saw the girl standing behind me, pale and trembling, biting her lip so hard.
I knew right then–she’d never testify for my father again.
“You’re disgusting, Veyne.”
The disappointment swelled in my chest, suffocating. I turned and dragged my numb body toward the exit,
At the end of the alley, Sylvia stood wrapped in Veyne’s jacket..
The moment she saw me, her eyes turned sharp like poison–laced daggers.
“That’s it? You’re just walking away?”
“The daughter of a murderer should at least kneel and apologize in front of my brother’s grave, don’t you think?”
I gave a cold laugh. “A murderer? If my dad hadn’t showrrup that day, your brother would’ve been a rapist.”
“And you–knew what he was
Before I could finish, Veyne clamped a hand over my mouth from behind.
“Eleanor, Sylvia’s right. Someone from your family should kneel. If it’s not you, then it’ll be your mother.”
I turned my head to look at his face.
And I couldn’t understand… how could the man who once swore he loved me turn into someone so eruel, so unrecognizable?
Chapter 1
