Chapter 2

Like a puppet, I was lifted by Dominic into the car and taken back to his mansion.

I had thought about hiding, about escaping, but looking into Dominic's terrifying eyes, and remembering my three years inside, I knew that no matter how deep I hid or how far I ran, I probably couldn't escape his grasp.

Besides, I still had my family.

Dominic was ruthless. If I truly escaped, my family would suffer the consequences.

Numbly, I followed Dominic into the Thorne residence.

It was a place I once knew so intimately, but now it made me flinch and hang back.

All the maids and housekeepers at the Thorne residence were new faces.

Of course. After what happened three years ago, they had stood by me and spoken up for me. Dominic, incandescent with rage, had fired them all long ago.

Clutching the corner of my jacket, I cowered by the entrance, like a starving beggar.

Dominic paused while changing his shoes, scrutinizing me with a peculiar gaze.

As if remembering something, he suddenly pulled me close.

“Anya Vance, get my shoes.”

I recalled saying those very words to him once.

But back then, our relationship was good. Mostly, I'd tease, and he'd just smile.

I didn't dare disobey. I bent down, half-kneeling on the floor, took out his slippers, and put them on him.

Dominic scoffed softly, then paid me no mind, going straight to the living room sofa.

I hesitated for a few seconds, then changed into the housekeeper’s slippers and followed him in.

An older maid came forward to ask him how he wanted me arranged.

Dominic shot a disdainful glance my way. “Whatever.”

It was like casually discarding a trifle he didn't care about.

I clenched my fists, but still gathered my courage, stuttering, “Mr. Dominic… when can I leave here?”

As if he’d heard a joke, Dominic suddenly stood up, looking down on me.

“You want to leave?”

“I told you, don't rush!”

“Anya Vance, you don't actually think I'm joking, do you?”

I looked up, meeting his cold eyes. For a moment, I suddenly wanted to explain what happened three years ago all over again.

The words I was about to say were abruptly cut off by a sweet, gentle female voice.

“Dominic, you’re back.”