My Husband Auctioned Me Off to Keep His Affair Alive

Three years into becoming Mrs. Matteo Grant, I still sometimes said it like I was testing if it was real.

That morning, I stood in front of the mirror while sunlight spilled across the bedroom floor and whispered softly, almost like a prayer, Happy anniversary, love happy anniversary to us. My hand drifted down to my stomach, resting there protectively. Barely six weeks along, so small no one would noticebut to me, it felt like my whole world had just started beating inside me.

I had been waiting for this day for weeks.

Matteo and I were never supposed to be a love story. We began as rivalstwo powerful companies forced into an arranged marriage neither of us agreed to. He was sharp-edged, intimidating, always in control in a way that made people step back without realizing it.

And I I refused to step back.

I met his arrogance head-on with my own stubborn pride. We clashed constantlyover business deals, over board decisions, even over trivial things like what we had for dinner. It should have broken us apart.

Instead, somewhere in all that chaos, I fell for him.

And I truly believed he had fallen too.

There were moments that fooled me into hoping. Hed appear beside me during late nights in the office with a cup of coffee I didnt ask for. Hed drape his jacket over my shoulders when I fell asleep at my desk, pretending he didnt notice how exhausted I was. Small things. Quiet things. The kind of gestures that slowly convinced me we were becoming something real.

So I planned today carefully.

His favorite dishes were already set on the dining table. I had a small gift box wrapped neatlyinside was a silver keychain engraved with the words Dad-to-be. I even lit candles I had saved since our honeymoon, thinking tonight would be the moment everything changed.

When he called and said plans had shifted, I didnt argue.

Ive arranged something else, Matteo said over the phone. His tone was calm as alwaystoo calm, like glass hiding something dangerous beneath it.

So I changed into a cream dress, wore diamond earrings he once said suited me, and carried hope like it was something fragile I had to protect.

But the moment the car stopped in front of an unfamiliar building, that hope wavered.

It wasnt a restaurant. Or an office. It was a private hall made of gold-tinted glass, guarded by men in black suits who didnt even blink as we arrived.

Matteo? I asked quietly when he helped me out. Where exactly are we?

He didnt answer. Not even a glance.

He simply guided me inside.

The lobby was alive with soundlaughter echoing off marble floors, glasses clinking, music humming softly in the background. People in tuxedos stood in clusters, women shimmering in expensive gowns, champagne flowing under crystal chandeliers.

My fingers tightened around his sleeve.

This is a gala? I tried to smile. You couldve just told me

We stopped.

Right in front of a stage.

My breath caught.

Screens flashed numbers. People murmured into phones. A host stood at the center, voice lowered as if the room itself demanded secrecy.

Lot Forty-Seven, he announced. A rare piece tonight.

Confusion crept up my spine. I turned to Matteo, expecting an explanation.

But he was already looking at me.

And I didnt recognize his eyes.

Cold. Detached. Empty in a way I had never seen before.

Then he spoke.

Shes the lot.

For a second, my brain refused to understand what I heard. I let out a short, shaky laugh, because surely that was the only reasonable response.

Youre kidding, right? I whispered. Matteo stop.

He didnt even blink.

Youll bring a high price, he said flatly. I need the money. Youve always known your face and name could be used for value.

My stomach dropped.

What are you saying?

He turned away from me, addressing the host instead. Begin.

Everything happened at once.

Hands grabbed me before I could even step back. I struggled, panic rising as I was dragged forward.

Matteo! I screamed, voice breaking. Stop this! Pleasewhat are you doing?!

But he didnt move.

Didnt react.

Didnt even look at me.

The lights hit me as they pushed me onto the stage. Faces blurred in the crowdwatching, judging, as if I wasnt a person anymore.

Just something to be priced.

Two million starting bid, the announcer called.

Laughter followed. Then raised bids.

Three million.

Four.

My vision blurred.

Matteo! I cried again, voice raw. Im your wife!

Only then did he look up.

A faint curve touched his lipsnot warmth, not affection something tired, almost indifferent.

I told you, Aria, he said calmly. We were never on the same side. And I need the funds. Thats all.

It felt like something inside me split clean in half.

I begged after that. I said everything I could think of. I told them I was pregnant. I told them I would do anythinganything at allif they would just stop.

But he turned away before I could finish.

When the final bid came through, the voice declared, Sold.

I dont remember walking off that stage.

Only being dragged through corridors. Cold hands. Locked doors. A dim room that smelled like smoke and expensive alcohol. I kept repeating it like a prayer that might save me.

Im pregnant please dont

No one listened.

Pain, noise, panicit all blurred together until the door suddenly slammed open.

Enough!

A voice cut through everything like thunder.

Chaos erupted. Shouting. Fists hitting walls. Someone falling hard against furniture.

And thenarms caught me.

Steady. Strong. Real.

When my vision cleared, I saw him.

Vincent Wolfe.

Matteos rival.

Stay with me, he said firmly, holding me as if I might disappear. Youre safe now.

Safe.

The word didnt feel real anymore.

And then everything went dark.

When I woke again, it was white ceilings, soft beeping machines, and the sharp smell of disinfectant. My body felt heavy, like it didnt belong to me anymore.

I turned my head.

Vincent was sitting nearby, watching me in silence.

My baby My voice cracked immediately. Where is my baby?

He didnt answer right away. His gaze dropped instead.

That was enough.

A doctor came in moments later, clipboard in hand, face tight with pity that made my chest tighten even more.

Im so sorry, Mrs. Grant, she said gently. There was severe internal bleeding. The pregnancy couldnt be saved.

The room tilted.

And she hesitated, softer now, the damage is significant. It may not be possible for you to conceive in the future.

Silence swallowed everything.

It felt like something was being pulled out of mesomething I could never get back.

Tears slid silently into my hair as I stared at the ceiling, completely hollowed out.

Vincent stood up, his voice low but sharp. Hes going to regret this.

A laugh escaped mebut it sounded broken, wrong.

He already destroyed everything.

Vincent stepped closer. Then dont stay broken. Take it back.

I turned my head slowly, eyes burning. Why would you help me?

His answer came without hesitation.

Because I want him to fall too.

For a long time, I just looked at him.

A stranger who pulled me out of ruin.

A man offering revenge instead of comfort.

Something inside me shiftedquietly, dangerously.

So when he finally said, Marry me, Aria, I didnt think twice.

Because if I was already in hell,

Id rather walk through it burning beside him

than ever forgive Matteo Grant.

I stayed in the hospital for another day after that. My body was still drained, every movement feeling heavier than it shouldve been, but it wasnt the physical pain that bothered me mostit was the quiet. The kind that makes you think too much.

I kept telling myself Matteo would come. Maybe not to apologize, but at least to check if I was still breathing properly after everything.

But when the door finally opened, hope died immediately.

The first words out of his mouth were sharp and careless.

So you really bailed on the client? he said, like he was annoyed about a missed appointment. Seriously, Aria? I sold you for that deal. All you had to do was play along so I could close it.

I went still.

My throat tightened. You sold me? I repeated slowly, as if saying it differently would make it less real. Have you lost your mind?

He didnt even look ashamed. Not even a little.

I needed the money, he answered flatly. And Im your husband. That means I can use whatever I have to. You just messed it up.

My hands curled into fists under the blanket.

So instead of asking me, I shot back, voice rising, you decided to hand me over like Im nothing? They hurt me, Matteo. They

He cut me off without even blinking.

I need more than what youre giving me, Aria. And dont act innocent. Youve been hiding things from me. You think I dont know youve been pulling clients away?

I let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

I didnt steal anything from you, I said firmly. If they choose to work with me, thats not my fault. Maybe your company just isnt good enough.

His jaw tightened, and then he scoffed.

Or maybe, he said slowly, youve been using other methods to get them on your side.

I stared at him, disgust rising in my chest.

What did you just say?

You heard me. His eyes darkened. And dont think Ive forgotten about the man who pulled you out of that mess. Who is he to you? Huh? Some lover hiding in the shadows?

My voice spiked.

There is no one! I snapped. I dont have anyone! Or maybe youre the one cheating and now youre trying to pin this on me!

That was when it happened.

A sudden crack filled the room.

My head snapped to the side as his hand struck my face. Pain bloomed instantly, sharp and hot. I tasted metal on my lip.

This is your fault, he said coldly, like nothing had just happened. Because of you, I lost that deal. So fix it. Go back there if you have to. Smile, flirtwhatever it takes. And if not, youll hand over everything your company owns.

My ears rang, but I forced myself to speak through the shaking in my voice.

Youd really say that to me? I whispered. After everything? I lost our baby, Matteo. I cant even I cant get pregnant anymore.

For the first time, he looked at me properly.

No emotion. No hesitation. Nothing.

So what? he said coldly. Its just a baby. Its not like I ever cared about having one with you anyway.

My breath caught.

It felt like the world stopped for a secondlike even the air forgot how to move.

Before I could respond, he already turned around and walked out.

The door clicked shut behind him.

And that silence that was the moment I broke.

My hands shook as I covered my face, and everything I had been holding in finally spilled out. Not quiet tearsreal, ugly crying that came from somewhere deep I couldnt control.

Because it wasnt just pain anymore.

It was understanding.

The man I loved wasnt coming back.

Or maybe he had never been there at all.

And then, without warning, the memories came rushing in.

Back to the beginning.

When Matteo and I werent lovers, werent even closejust two people forced into a marriage built on competition and resentment.

We fought like it was second nature.

Deadlines, clients, proposals, even stupid things like office layoutsnothing was ever peaceful between us.

You really think youre better than me just because your father handed you half the company? he once snapped during a meeting, voice cutting through the room.

I didnt even hesitate.

At least I didnt get mine handed over on a silver plate, I fired back. Youre just scared Ill actually outperform you.

His chair scraped loudly as he stood.

Youre impossible, he growled.

And youre arrogant, I shot back just as fast.

That was us back thenconstant fire, no space for softness. Sometimes hed grab my wrist when I tried to walk away. Sometimes Id shove him right back. We didnt know how to exist without clashing.

We were chaos pretending to be married.

But then, little by little, things shifted.

The shouting didnt stopbut it softened.

He started appearing in my office without reason, placing coffee beside my documents like it was normal. Hed sit in on meetings he didnt need to attend. Hed ask questions he didnt used to care about.

One night, I remember him setting a bowl of soup beside my laptop.

Youre going to get sick if you keep skipping meals, he said casually.

I looked up at him, surprised.

Since when did you start worrying about me? I asked, half teasing.

He just shrugged like it was nothing. Youre my wife. Its my responsibility.

And weirdly that made me smile.

For the first time, I thought maybe we were changing. Maybe this wasnt just an arrangement anymore.

Maybe we were becoming something real.

He became gentler after that. He started remembering dates. He kissed me goodnight like it was normal. He looked at me like I mattered.

And I believed it.

I fell completely.

But now, lying in that hospital bed, everything made sense in the cruelest way possible.

It was never love.

It was control.

A performance I was too stupid to question.

I wiped my face roughly, grabbed my phone, and forced my breathing to steady.

When my lawyer picked up, my voice didnt shake.

Mr. Wells, I said quietly, prepare my divorce papers.

There was a pause on the other line.

Mrs. Grant that wont be easy, he said carefully.

Why not? I asked sharply.

Your families are bound by multiple agreements. Your father and Mr. Grants father would need to approve it. This could collapse the entire alliance

I dont care, I cut in immediately. Just prepare it.

Another hesitation.

Even if I draft it, he continued, youll still need your fathers approval. Without it, this wont move forward legally

Ill handle my father, I said coldly. Just do your part.

Understood, Mrs. Grant.

One more thing, I added after a pause. Redirect every investor and partner we can reach. Move them under my company. I dont want Matteo left with anything.

By the time I left the hospital, I went alone.

The ride home was quiet, but my mind wasnt.

And when I stepped into the hallway of the house, I froze.

Voices.

Low, intimate and unmistakably his.

Matteo.

And a woman.

My stomach turned as I followed the sound, every step heavier than the last. I didnt even thinkI just pushed the door open.

What I saw made everything inside me go still.

He didnt even pretend to stop.

No panic. No guilt.

Just a brief glance in my direction before continuing like I wasnt even there.

Like I didnt matter at all.

My nails dug into my palms as I forced myself to breathe.

Then I spokecalm, controlled, and completely done.

Were getting a divorce, I said evenly. Im finished. With you. With this marriage. With every lie youve ever told me.

Lets end this marriage. I want a divorce, I said, my tone steady, almost frighteningly calm. Im finished with your lies, your betrayal everything youve put me through.

He let out a laughlow, empty, without warmth. Divorce? he repeated as if Id said something ridiculous. Thats never happening. Im not letting you go, Aria. Ill make sure you suffer instead. Just watch.

Then, as if I were already irrelevant, he turned back to the woman beside him, his hand sliding over her like I wasnt even there. Ill be with someone else then, he added loudly, deliberately, making sure every word cut through me.

My stomach twisted. So this is it? I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady. Youre destroying our marriage over a business deal you lost? This is your revenge?

His eyes snapped to minecold, sharp, unfeeling. No, he said flatly. This is because youve been unfaithful. His voice dropped lower, edged with something dangerous. And if I ever find the man who took you that night Ill make sure he disappears.

And just like that, he went back to her as if nothing important had been said.

I stood there, stunned, watching him act like I was nothing more than background noise. And that night didnt end there.

It became a pattern.

New women every night. Different faces, different laughter, different perfume lingering through the hallways like a mark he wanted me to see. He didnt even try to hide it. It was deliberatedoors left slightly open, voices echoing just loud enough for me to hear.

One evening, while I was folding laundry on the bed, he casually tossed a small box toward me.

It slid across the sheets. Condoms.

Get a bigger pack next time, he said without even looking up. And dont forget extras. These things dont last long.

I stared at him, disbelief turning into anger, then picked it up and threw it straight back. It hit his chest.

Grow up, I said sharply.

He only shrugged like I was overreacting. If you refuse to deal with it, then fine, he replied. But make sure the girls get paid tonight. Accounting needs everything documented.

My hands curled into fists. So now Im supposed to fund your affairs?

Youre my wife, he said casually, almost bored. Handle it. Thats what you do.

That was the moment something inside me stopped breaking and started hardening.

I picked up the packet, shoved it into my bag, and went to work the next day like nothing had happened. I signed the transfer papers he pushed in front of me without even reading them. My signature stayed steady.

Because I learned quicklyI couldnt fight him yet.

Not openly.

So I played the role he wanted. I managed his mess, paid for his nights, smiled when I had to. All the while, I collected everything I coulddocuments, investor connections, leverage. Let him think I was obedient. Let him think I was still his.

But inside, I was already planning my exit.

I was going to leave.

And I was going to take everything he depended on with me.

When I told my father, I expected anger or at least understanding. Instead, his expression turned cold, almost disappointed.

Its your responsibility to keep your husband in line, he said sharply. Divorce is out of the question. Not now. The alliance matters too much.

My chest tightened. You want me to stay with him after everything hes done? He literally sold me

You know whats at stake, he interrupted. Sometimes you dont get to choose whats right for you.

I left before I broke down completely.

The only place I could go was Biancas house.

She opened the door without hesitation and pulled me inside the moment she saw my face. No questions. Just silence and her arms around me until my shaking slowed.

Bianca My voice cracked before I could finish.

She guided me to the couch. Mason, her little boy, clung to her skirt before walking over and placing his tiny hand on my knee.

Auntie Aria? he asked softly.

Im okay, sweetheart, I lied, even though my voice betrayed me.

Bianca had been with me through everythingcollege nights, arguments with my father, even the early days of my marriage when I still thought Matteo and I could fix things. Over time, she became more like family than a friend. I loved Mason like my own child, especially after his father left them behind.

She gently wiped my tears. Tell me what happened.

So I did.

And she listened. Quiet. Focused. Calm.

But sometimes the people closest to you are the ones you trust the most.

One day, I left work early. I wanted to surprise her, maybe stay over like we used to. Her door wasnt locked, so I walked in quietly, expecting nothing more than a normal afternoon.

Then I heard voices.

I stopped.

Biancas voice came firstuneasy, tense. You should leave before she gets here. If you stay, well get caught. Im tired of hiding, Matteo of hiding Mason. When are you actually going to make this official?

My blood ran cold.

Then Matteo answered, calm as ever. Soon. I just need a little more time. You know how important this is. Once everything is settled, Ill take care of it. You and Mason will finally have my name and Ill get rid of her and her father.

A pause.

Then Bianca again, frustrated. Youve been saying that forever. I cant keep living like this. Mason needs stabilityhe needs a father.

He gave a soft laugh. Patience, he said. Shell figure it out eventually. After that, we wont need to hide anymore.

Her voice turned sharper. Shes so blind she has no idea weve been doing this behind her back all this time.

Everything in me went still.

Every memory. Every laugh. Every comfort she gave me. Every moment I trusted her.

It was all staged.

I didnt wait to hear more.

I left without a sound, got into my car, and just drove.

I ended up at the pier.

The same place Matteo once told me wed build our future.

The wind was cold, biting. The sea restless.

I removed my ring slowly, staring at it like it belonged to someone elses life. My hand shookbut I didnt stop.

Then I threw it.

It disappeared into the waves without a trace.

Gone.

Like everything it used to mean.

I pulled out my phone, fingers still trembling but my decision already made.

Vincent, I said quietly when he answered. Come get me. Lets get married.

The wind hit my face harder that time.

But for the first time in a long while

I felt like I could finally breathe.

I packed my suitcase in silence, my hands trembling slightly as I folded each piece of clothing with care I didnt really feel. My heart was beating too loudly in my chest, but I kept my expression neutral, controlledlike I had already decided this a long time ago.

When Matteo stepped into the room, he stopped dead.

What the hell do you think youre doing?

I didnt even glance at him as I zipped the bag. If youre not going to agree to a divorce, then thats fine. Im still leaving. Im not staying here while you slowly destroy me.

His expression darkened instantly. You dont get to leave.

I finally looked at him. I already decided I am.

He moved forward fast, grabbing my wrist. Dont push me, Aria.

I jerked my arm away. Im done being pushed around.

His hand came down before I could react.

The slap rang out loud across the roomsharp, humiliating, burning on impact. My face turned with the force of it, pain blooming instantly across my cheek.

Something inside me snapped.

Without thinking, I swung back and hit him across the face. How dare you! I shouted. Ive tolerated you long enough! Im not letting you control me anymore

A small voice suddenly cut through the chaos.

Aunt Aria?

Mason stood at the doorway, holding his toy car tightly in both hands. His eyes were wide, already glassy with tears. Why are you fighting? Are you okay? Are you hurting my Aunt Aria? Youre mean!

Matteo hesitated for a fraction of a second. Annoyance flickered then something almost like guilt.

I thought you were good, Mason said shakily, his voice breaking.

Mason, go to your room, Matteo ordered, sharper now.

Behind him, Bianca appeared, slightly out of breath. Heyhey, its okay, she said quickly, forcing a nervous smile. Bad timing. I just came to check on Aria Mason just wanted to see her.

Wanted to see me? I let out a bitter laugh. How touching. Everyones just playing roles now, huh?

Bianca blinked like she didnt understand. What are you talking about? Did you two argue again? Aria, you should calm down before this gets worse

Shut up, I said suddenly.

Before anyone could react, I stepped forward and slapped her across the face.

The sound cracked through the room like a gunshot.

She staggered back, clutching her cheek. Aria what are you doing? Why are you like this?

Stop acting innocent, I hissed. Tell me the truthwho is Masons father?

Her eyes flickered. This isnt the right time Mason is herethis is sensitive

Dont you dare use him as an excuse! I snapped. I grabbed the photos I had been holding and threw them at her.

They scattered across the floorimages of Matteo and Bianca together, too close, too familiar and Mason in the middle like proof of everything I had refused to see.

I know everything now! I said through clenched teeth.

Matteo didnt shout. That was worse.

He just exGrantd and said calmly, Good. Then we dont have to pretend anymore.

He turned slightly toward Bianca. Stop crying. Its pointless.

Matteo, please she sobbed.

Enough. His voice was final. Then, to me: Aria, you had your chance. Ill take Mason legally. Ill adopt him. Hell carry my name. Thats what he deserves.

Masons crying grew louder.

Be quiet! I snapped, my voice breaking as frustration took over. I loved him I didbut after everything, I couldnt even look at him without feeling pain.

Mason hiccupped between sobs.

Matteo stepped in front of him immediately. Dont yell at him! he barked. Hes my son! And you? Youre nothing but a piece in this game. Now that everythings out, goodBianca stays here.

Then let her stay, I said coldly, my voice steady again. Thats exactly why Im leaving. Im not staying to watch you build your little fake family while I fall apart.

He let out a short, harsh laugh. No. Youre not going anywhere. His eyes sharpened. I cant let you run to my father and ruin everything before I secure my position. You think you can just walk out and expose me? I still have leverage. I can sell you again if I want. Dont forget your value.

Heat surged through me so fast my vision blurred. You wouldnt

Bianca flinched, suddenly soft again. Matteo, stop this isnt the time

Her voice shook just enough to sound real. I used to fall for that softness. I didnt anymore.

Enough pretending, I said sharply. I see through both of you now.

Her face changed instantly. The innocence disappeared.

You dont get to act like a victim, she snapped. You threw everything away. You ran off. You left chaos behind you.

Each word hit like a strike.

Bianca I started, but she shoved me.

Hard.

I stumbled into the kitchen counter, pain flaring through my side.

Mason screamed and ran between us. Stop! Please stop!

Get away! Matteo shouted.

He moved forward too quickly. His arm swungmeant for mebut Mason was in the way.

The impact made the child stumble violently. He hit the edge of the table and collapsed to the floor.

A sharp, piercing cry filled the room.

Mason! Bianca screamed, dropping instantly to her knees and pulling him into her arms. Its okay, baby Mommys here

I went completely still. My stomach dropped.

He hit him, I whispered, then louder, You HIT HIM!

Matteo turned on me instantly. This is your fault! If you didnt escalate things, he wouldnt have been there!

Dont you blame me! I yelled, stepping forward.

But before I could move again, he grabbed my hair.

Pain exploded across my scalp as he yanked me down and sideways. I gasped, losing my balance immediately.

How dare you hurt my son, he growled into my face, his grip tightening until my vision blurred.

Matteostop I choked.

He shoved me hard.

I slammed into the table, ribs hitting first, pain shooting through my entire body. My face struck the wood as everything spun.

And just like that, they were gone.

The door shut.

Silence swallowed the house.

That night, I checked into a hotel under a false name. The city outside looked distant, unreallights flickering like something already fading away.

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my suitcase like it belonged to someone else.

My phone lit up.

Vincent.

Im coming for you soon. Well leave it all behind.

I exGrantd shakily.

I made it out.

Or at least I thought I did.

A knock came.

Sharp. Official.

Not his.

I frowned slightly. Come in.

The door opened.

Two police officers stepped inside.

Mrs. Aria Grant? one asked.

Yes? I answered slowly.

You are under arrest for the attempted murder of Mason Grant.

My body went cold.

What? I whispered.

The officer stepped forward. Please cooperate, maam.

The room tilted violently.

My knees gave out.

No I breathed. Thats not true

But it was already too late.

The cuffs locked around my wristscold, final, inescapable.

It wasnt me, I repeated for what felt like the hundredth time, my voice breaking at the edges. I never hurt him. I didnt hurt anyone!

The interrogation room felt colder under the harsh fluorescent lights buzzing above us, the sound drilling into my skull as if it was trying to wear me down. My wrists were still sore from the cuffs, and my throat felt raw from shouting the same truth over and over. Across the metal table, two officers watched me with the same blank, unreadable faces.

Mrs. Grant, one of them said in a measured tone, multiple witnesses say you physically pushed the child. The findings we have

I didnt! My voice cracked mid-sentence. It wasnt like that. It was an accident. Matteohe was therehe saw it

The door suddenly opened.

My head snapped up instantly, relief rushing through me for half a second because I thought it was my lawyer.

But it wasnt.

Matteo walked in instead.

He looked completely composed, like he hadnt slept in chaos or betrayal or anything at allperfect suit, perfect posture, not a single crease out of place. His face, however, was carved with something colder than anger.

Disappointment. Contempt.

Aria, he said quietly, almost like he was talking to someone foolish. What exactly have you done now?

My voice dropped to a whisper. You know what happened. You were there

I didnt even get to finish.

His hand came fast.

The impact of the slap rang through the room, sharp and humiliating. My head turned with the force of it, my cheek burning instantly.

Matteo! one of the officers snapped, standing up, but Matteo only raised a hand slightly, as if apologizing for a minor inconvenience.

Im sorry, he said smoothly, though his tone carried none of it. Its just difficult watching her behave like this after everything shes done.

I could taste blood in my mouth, metallic and bitter. You My voice shook. You actually hit me.

He didnt even look at me when he answered the officers.

My wifesoon to be ex-wife, hopefullyassaulted my son, he said calmly. She also attacked my mistress when she tried to stop her. Shes unstable. Weve been trying to get her professional help for a while now, but she refuses treatment.

My stomach dropped.

Mistress? I whispered, disbelief barely forming the word. Youre really saying that out loud now?

His gaze finally shifted to me, steady and unbothered. Yes. Shes currently in the hospital. Bruised. Possibly worse. And Mason He paused, shaking his head like it pained him to continue. Hes terrified of you.

Youre lying, I said immediately, shaking my head. All of it.

He leaned slightly forward. Then prove otherwise.

But I had nothing. No recordings. No witnesses who would speak for me. No one.

That night, they processed me anyway.

I barely registered the ride to the station, only flashes of camera lights, reporters shouting questions I couldnt understand, and the word murder floating around like a curse I couldnt wash off.

By morning, they said I could be released on bail while the investigation continued. It sounded like relief, but it wasnt.

It felt like a trap dressed as mercy.

All I wanted was to go home.

To tell my father the truth.

To make him see I wasnt the monster Matteo was painting me into.

My hands shook as I signed the papers. My lawyer kept talkingsomething about staying silent, about truth eventually coming outbut it all blurred together.

All I could hear was my heartbeat and the dull hum of the world outside the station.

When I finally stepped into the car, I exGrantd shakily for the first time in what felt like days.

I was free.

Or so I believed.

Halfway through the ride, headlights suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Everything happened too fast.

Tires screamed against asphalt. A horn blared. The world tilted violently as if it had been ripped off its axis.

Then came the crash.

Metal screamed. Glass shattered. Everything went whitethen black.

When I came to, pain was everywhere.

My neck. My ribs. My legs. I tried to move, but nothing responded the way it should have.

Panic rose instantly.

Whatwhats wrong with me? I gasped.

A nurse rushed in, her voice trying to stay calm. Maam, please try not to panic.

My legs, I whispered, voice shaking. I cant feel my legs.

She hesitated before answering. You were in a severe accident. Youre lucky to be alive.

I tried to sit up, but my body didnt feel like mine anymore. It felt distantwrong, disconnected.

Thats when it truly sank in.

My legs dont move, I said again, quieter this time.

The nurse avoided my eyes. The doctors are doing everything possible.

That night, the ward was quiet.

Too quiet.

But I wasnt alone.

Voices drifted from outside my roomlow, tense, familiar.

One of them was Matteo.

Just keep her under observation, he said coldly. Make it look like treatment is ongoing.

A doctor responded nervously, Sir, with proper therapy she might regain

No, Matteo cut in immediately. I dont want that. I prefer her like this. Helpless. Easier to control. She cant run around, cant interfere, cant ruin anything anymore. At least now she knows where she belongs.

My breath stopped in my throat.

The doctor hesitated. Thats not ethical.

I dont care, Matteo said flatly. Do your job. Keep her alive, keep her quiet. Thats all shes useful for. She can watch from there while I live my life.

Their footsteps faded down the hallway.

I lay frozen, gripping the sheets so tightly my fingers ached. Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to let them fall.

He hadnt just taken my freedom.

He was rewriting my entire existence.

Later, the door opened again.

I quickly shut my eyes, pretending to sleep.

Matteo walked in.

He stopped beside the bed, hands in his pockets, looking at me like I was something he owned.

So still, he murmured. Almost peaceful. I might like you better like this.

I watched him through the reflection on the tray beside me.

He smiled faintly.

Dont worry, he added, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. Ill visit. Youll get to watch everything from here. Me, Bianca even Mason. Maybe Ill bring him sometimes. So you dont forget what a real family looks like.

He chuckled softly before turning away.

The door closed behind him.

And I broke.

Not loudly. Not dramatically.

Just silent, suffocating sobs that tore through my chest while my body refused to move. I wanted to scream, to get up, to destroy somethinganything.

But I couldnt even stand.

My body had become a prison I couldnt escape.

The next day, she came.

Bianca.

She looked almost angelicwhite outfit, soft smile, flowers in her hands. Like she had stepped out of a perfect life that didnt include betrayal.

Oh, Aria, she said gently, setting the flowers down. You poor thing.

She leaned closer, her perfume overwhelming, suffocating. Dont worry. Ill take care of Matteo now while you recover for however long that takes.

Then she tilted her head, smiling faintly.

Maybe this is for the best. You were never really enough for him anyway.

My throat tightened, but no words came out.

She left just as easily as she came, humming softly like she hadnt shattered what was left of me.

That night, the lights dimmed, and I thought it was finally over.

Maybe this was what the end felt like.

Quiet. Empty. Forgotten.

Then

A click.

The door opened again.

Youre safe now, a voice whispered.

Vincent.

He was already beside me in seconds, eyes sharp with urgency. Im sorry I didnt get here sooner. Were leaving. Now.

He lifted me carefully into his arms.

The hospital vanished behind us as we slipped out through a back exit. A black car waited outside, engine already running. He placed me inside, then drove without hesitation, city lights smearing into long, blurred streaks outside the window.

Later, a small plane waited on a hidden runway, engines humming softly.

He carried me up the steps and settled me inside. The cabin was dim, quiet, almost unreal. He buckled me in gently, brushing my hair back once before stepping away.

As the plane lifted off, the ground below shrank into darkness.

For the first time in a long time, something loosened in my chest.

Not pain.

Not fear.

Something closer to hope.

Tears slipped down my face silently, but they didnt feel like breaking anymore.

I stared out at the endless sky, my thoughts steady, quiet, certain.

And in that silence, I promised myself

When I stand again

They will all regret everything.