Chapter 3

When I came to, I was already back at the Reed residence. Christopher sat by my bed, as if he had been keeping watch for a long time. His expression was a mask of guilt. "It was my fault, Juliette. I've taken care of those photos, so there's no need to worry about them anymore. From now on, if you don't wish to go out, you don't have to. I will never force you again. You can stay here at the Reed residence for the rest of your life if you want. I'll be here with you." I turned away as bitterness rose within me. So, this was his true goal. He wanted nothing more than for me to hide away forever, to never show my face in public again, so that Winona's career would be smooth-sailing and free from obstacles. I was just about to speak when the door was suddenly pushed open. Winona walked in. The moment she entered, Christopher's attention shifted entirely to her, his gaze softening with unmistakable tenderness. Looking back, I must have been blind not to see that it was her he truly loved. My guard went up instantly. "Why are you here?" Florence Hale, Christopher's mother, followed close behind Winona. When she heard my words, her finely arched brows knit together in displeasure. "Winnie came all the way here because she was worried after hearing that you'd fainted. Is that any way to speak to her at all? You really have no manners!" Winona put on a brave face. "Mrs. Reed, please don't say that. Juliette is just... unsettled from what happened at the auction today. It's alright. I'm used to it." Florence's frown deepened. "The Reed family has always upheld a spotless reputation for generations. To think we'd now be tainted by such disgraceful scandals… What a tragedy for our household." Then, she took Winona's hand. "You're such a good young lady, Winnie. Any family would be fortunate to have you as their daughter-in-law. It's such a shame that Christopher doesn't have such luck." Christopher lowered his head, his expression restrained and heavy. Then, Winona said she had something to discuss with me in private, so Christopher and Florence soon left the room. The moment they stepped out, Winona's gentle expression vanished. She looked down at me from where she stood, casually brushing her hair behind her. The champion's ring on her finger glimmered under the light. My eyes widened. That ring represented the highest honor in the world of dance. For 20 years, I had practiced relentlessly without ever slacking, all for the day I could stand proudly on stage wearing that very ring. But on the day of the competition, Christopher's men had abducted me. And as a result, that ring ended up as Winona's trophy. Seeing me stare fixedly at the ring, Winona smiled triumphantly. "Isn't this ring gorgeous, Juliette? You really want it, don't you? Oh, but what a shame! Even if you return to the stage, the audience won't be admiring your dance anymore. Instead, they'd be wondering what poses you'd be able to make with your flexibility. Dare you still compete with me, Juliette?" She clicked her tongue softly and shook her head. "Oh, right, there's one more thing I forgot to tell you. The place where they took you was just a little over 500 yards away from the competition venue. You actually had a chance to be saved, you know? "But the cheers for me were just so loud that they drowned out your screams. It's such a pity. You were always excellent at everything. Even your voice was exquisite. I can only imagine how lovely your screams must have been—" Unable to take it anymore, I snapped at her, "Shut up—" But before I could finish, a sharp slap echoed through the room. I wasn't the one who had delivered the slap. It was Winona. She suddenly raised her hand and slapped herself hard across the face. I was still frozen in confusion when a pair of hands steadied her from behind. Winona's eyes brimmed with tears. "Christopher, please don't blame Juliette. It was my fault… I shouldn't have upset her…." Christopher looked at the red mark swelling on her cheek, a pained expression coming over him. I struggled to find my voice to explain myself. "I didn't hit her, Christopher." At that, his gaze landed on me as a cold, sharp glint flashed in his eyes. For a terrifying moment, I truly thought he might strike me for her. Without a word, he scooped Winona into his arms and carried her out of the bedroom. The door slammed shut behind them with a deafening bang. Unable to hold back any longer, I buried my face in my hands and wept bitterly.