Chapter 6

The spotlight suddenly flared to life, and Quinley opened her eyes under the blinding light. She found herself lying in a completely darkened room, her clothes already stripped off. A chill surged through her body in an instant. She curled up in panic, wrapping her arms around her chest, though her attempt to cover herself proved useless. The overwhelming weakness in her limbs made it impossible to get up. "Ms. Clark, you're so gorgeous, especially through my lens." A man's malicious chuckle came from behind the camera. The black lens stared at her like a beast ready to devour its prey, pointed straight at Quinley. "You pervert! I'm calling the police! This is illegal!" Quinley shouted in despair. "Oh? So, you're going to report me or your husband?" Charles sneered. "This is my turf. I'm just having you pose as a nude model for the sake of art. I promised Gary I wouldn't touch you, only take photos. But if you're hoping for more, I—" "Get lost!" At that moment, Quinley couldn't hold back her tears anymore. She lay there naked on the soft white fabric like a piece of meat on a butcher's block. Charles had no intention of letting her go. "That's it. Perfect. You're even more stunning when you cry." The flashing camera lights cut into her like knives, again and again. She had no idea how long it lasted. She only realized it when the camera finally shut off. Quinley couldn't even remember how she got dressed or how she managed to crawl out of that room. She was like a broken marionette, her movements slow and heavy with humiliation. "Ms. Clark, I've photographed over ten thousand women, but you're the first one personally delivered by her own husband." A mocking laugh echoed behind her. Quinley's fingers turned pale while she gripped the doorknob. She knew this wasn't the time to fight back. "We're divorced. He's no longer my husband," she said bitterly and firmly. Behind her, the door finally closed. Quinley couldn't stop trembling. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to find even a shred of warmth. At that moment, the banquet downstairs was nearing its end. As she numbly stepped out into the hall, a loud sound echoed. The next second, fireworks lit up the sky above the estate. Brilliant sparks spelled out the words "Happy birthday, Luna!" So, this was Gary's surprise. Midnight had passed—it was Luna's birthday. In the nearby garden, Gary stood beneath the fireworks, his eyes filled with affection in the dark. "Happy birthday, Luna. Whether it's the dress or the ring, as long as you want it, I'll make it happen." As he spoke, he opened a jewelry box in front of Luna. Inside was the emerald ring he had traded Quinley for. Waves of cheers came from the people around them. "Kiss! Kiss!" Before Gary could react, Luna had already risen on her toes and kissed him. Nausea surged in Quinley's chest as she crouched on the ground and began to vomit. Tears poured down her face. She felt nothing but disgust, and there was nothing left inside her. When she finally stood up again, the sky had begun to drizzle. Not far away, Gary was leading Luna to the car. Soon, the Rolls-Royce headlights sliced through the rain and drove off into the night. Quinley's phone buzzed two times, indicating she received messages. "Quinn, I had to take Luna out for something. I sent someone to pick you up." "I know this is hard for you. Just endure this one last month. I promise I'll make it up to you." Quinley calmly deleted both messages. Without waiting for the car to arrive, she walked alone without hesitation, straight into the rain.