Chapter 5

Raina's POV

Two bodyguards responded and stepped forward, grabbing my arms and roughly dragging me toward the basement.

Cold, damp air rushed at me, mixed with the moldy smell of dust.

I didn't even have the strength to struggle. The excruciating pain in my stomach and the ice in my heart left me nearly unconscious.

I was thrown inside without mercy.

From beginning to end, Lucas never looked at me once, just held the pitifully crying Bianca in his arms and turned to leave.

In the darkness, I curled up on the cold floor.

For two full days, not a drop of water or food.

Hunger and stomach pain took turns torturing me, wearing away the last bit of my life force.

It wasn't until the third day, the eve of Bianca's birthday party, that the basement door finally opened.

Lucas had someone release me. He looked down at my miserable state from his height.

"You'll personally organize Bianca's birthday party. If anything goes wrong, you know the consequences."

I nodded.

The birthday party was extravagantly arranged.

The entire villa was decorated with flowing lights, and guests gathered.

Halfway through the party, Bianca walked up to me with a wine glass, looking seductive.

"Raina, today's my birthday. Where's your gift?"

Undisguised provocation glinted in her eyes.

"I didn't prepare anything," I answered.

Bianca noticed the necklace around my neck.

It was the only keepsake my mother had left me.

"Then give me that,"

Bianca's tone was matter-of-fact.

"I really like it."

I immediately protected the necklace at my chest.

"Not this."

"Why not?"

Bianca's eyes immediately reddened. She looked grievously at Lucas, who had rushed over.

"Lucas, I just wanted a birthday present."

Lucas's gaze went cold.

"Give it to her."

He commanded me.

"This is what my mother left me..."

My voice trembled uncontrollably as I begged him.

When my mother died, I cried until I couldn't breathe.

It was Lucas who held me tightly, promising over and over in my ear that he'd always be with me, that he'd love me well in her mother's place.

But now, this same man was personally taking away my last remembrance of my mother.

Lucas lost patience and directly signaled to the bodyguard beside him.

"No! Don't!"

Two bodyguards pinned me down firmly.

I could only watch helplessly as that thin cord was torn off and fell into Lucas's hand.

He personally put it on Bianca, even praising her gently.

"It suits you perfectly."

He took Bianca's hand and returned to the center of the party.

I collapsed to the floor.

I had to leave this suffocating place!

But as soon as I stood up, I was blocked by several of Bianca's friends.

They dragged me to a deserted corner. Vulgar insults accompanied punches and kicks, raining down on me.

"Shameless bitch, occupying the position of Mrs. Ashford and refusing to let go!"

"Bianca wanting your things is your blessing, and you dare refuse?"

I curled up on the ground, giving up all resistance and calls for help.

It hurt. It hurt so much.

But how could physical pain compare to even one ten-thousandth of the pain in my heart?

When another kick landed hard on my abdomen, I jerked my head to the side and vomited up a large mouthful of blood.

That glaring red instantly frightened those women who'd been kicking in a frenzy.

Just then, a cold voice sounded above their heads.

"What are you doing?!"

It was Lucas.