Chapter 2

A sharp, burning sensation shot straight to my head. I couldn't hold back anymore—tears streamed down uncontrollably. As I clutched my chest, the cruel words from the private room echoed relentlessly over and over in my mind. A week before our wedding, I'd suddenly been abducted and endured a day and night of torment. After that, Julius had tenderly held my hand, gazing into my eyes as he declared his love and insisted he still wanted to marry me. Yet, on my wedding day—a day I had eagerly awaited—a video of me being assaulted was played for all to see. There, Julius abandoned me again, leaving me branded as a shameless woman scorned by all. Back then, it was Maverick who'd stormed in and shattered the screen with a single gunshot. Then, he pulled me into his arms, fiercely driving back the crowd's insults and scorn. He had ten crates of gold brought in as wedding gifts. Then, he looked me in the eye and said he'd loved me all along and that if he couldn't marry me in this life, he'd die with regrets. It was his unwavering gaze that had won me over. But now, he revealed that everything he'd done was merely to pave the way for Yana. No wonder she had looked at me with that strange, mocking smile on my wedding day. My abduction had happened after Yana called. She'd said her car had broken down, so she asked me to come pick her up. She had known all along that this was nothing but a scheme orchestrated by Maverick for her sake. She laughed at my stupidity and reveled in having a devoted pawn willing to go to such lengths for her. And those three years of tenderness and affection? They were nothing but a carefully staged performance. It was just Maverick's way of draining every last ounce of value from me. I had mistaken my executioner for my savior. How absurd! My nails dug deep into my palms, and I clenched my teeth until they ached. Pain and hatred surged in my chest, and the tears just wouldn't stop. Maverick's familiar scent enveloped me as he gently kissed my tear-streaked eyes. His brows knotted in fury as he roared in front of everyone. "Who the hell made my wife cry? I'll put a bullet in the bastard!" The hall fell into a suffocating silence. No one dared to move, let alone breathe. Maverick pulled the gun from his waist and pressed it into my hand, wrapping his arms around me as he guided my grip. He swept the weapon across the room, aiming at each person in turn. "Sweetheart, if anyone rubs you the wrong way, just take them out. I got your back." Those caught in his line of fire trembled like leaves, yet none dared to move. In the territory of Tazharan, Maverick was the leader of one of the two most powerful mafia organizations. No one in their right mind would dare cross him. As soon as the barrel pointed at Andrew, I stopped in my tracks. Andrew's eyes went wide, his face turning pale. The words—"I hand-picked every single guy in that video"—kept ringing in my ears like a curse. My chest heaved with ragged breaths, and my vision blurred with rage. I was about to pull the trigger when Maverick gently pushed the gun down. "Dear, the doctor said the IVF was successful. Seriously, no more blood—we don't want to frighten the baby," he gently coaxed me, the concern in his eyes showing no hint of pretense. I almost found myself applauding his expert performance. Upon noticing something was off, Maverick glanced at the wineglass in front of me and squeezed my hand. "How long have you been here, dear? Why didn't you come upstairs to find me?" His tone carried a hint of cautious probing. My gaze lowered as I calmly spoke, "You guys were all upstairs talking business and smoking. I can't stand the smell." Relieved, he stroked my hair and called for the helper to bring me herbal tea. The moment she handed it over, Maverick suddenly raised the gun and shot her point-blank in the head. I barely had time to react. Instantly, warm, sticky blood splattered across my face as the helper crumpled to the floor. Her hand was still frozen midair with the teacup, eyes wide in disbelief. My lips trembled, and my stomach twisted into knots. But Maverick acted as if nothing had happened. He set the gun aside, carefully wiped my face with his sleeve, then picked up the tea and began feeding it to me, sip by sip.