Ryan wrapped his hands around Annie, then spoke with a resounding voice.
"I pledge the integrity of the Fulmer Corporation to guarantee Miss Whitmore's innocence. This incident is nothing but a fabrication and we will pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading these rumors."
I stared blankly at the wound on my knee.
There was a time when Ryan left important, confidential documents at home. Even though I had a high fever, I dragged myself out to deliver them to him, only to be drugged and knocked unconscious halfway there.
When I woke up, my clothes were disheveled and my body was covered in hickeys.
Because of this, Ryan flew into a rage and punished me by making me kneel on the tile floor for three days and three nights. Furthermore, he forced me to recall the details of the rape and even sent people to collect evidence from my body. Throughout the entire ordeal, he never once asked if I was afraid or in pain.
I had always thought he was simply cold-hearted and accustomed to being loveless, with only profit in his eyes. It never occurred to me that he, too, could feel heartache for someone.
The art exhibition ended abruptly and I was dragged back to the villa.
Before the wound on my knee could even begin to heal, Ryan had his men pin me to the ground again. The leftover glass shards dug deep into my flesh, causing me to scream in agony.
"Didn't I tell you not to interfere in my affairs?" he demanded.
"It wasn't me!"" I bit my lip and looked up, stubbornly glaring at him."
Ryan merely let out a cold scoff. Immediately, the bodyguard beside him took the cue and grabbed my head, slamming it against the ground.
"It doesn't matter if you don't apologize. I'll have someone apologize on your behalf."
Annie's eyes welled up with tears and she blinked her innocent eyes repeatedly. "Miss Shelton, just hurry up and admit it. I'll beg Mr. Fulmer for mercy and ask him to go easy on you!"
I felt the world spinning violently, as if my brain were about to be churned to pieces. Even so, I suppressed the nauseating turmoil in my stomach and shouted hoarsely, "I'll say it one more time. It wasn't me. I won't admit it!"
Annie's sobs grew heavier as she whimpered, "I'm begging you, Miss Shelton. Whatever grievance you have against me, I can apologize for it. I just hope you'll stop targeting me, alright?"
As she spoke, Annie dropped to her knees with a thud, yet her eyes shone with stubborn tears. She looked exactly like a picture of utter resilience.
At the same time, my nausea intensified and I finally vomited on the floor.
Almost instantly, Ryan pulled Annie into his embrace. He shielded her, while staring at me with utter disgust. "You're married into the Fulmers now. Can't you show some dignity?"
Annie cried, her face streaked with tears. "My dress … My mom sewed it for me herself."
Ryan hurriedly kissed her forehead, patiently coaxing her in a low voice. "It's alright, Annie, I'll buy you whatever you want later, okay?"
Soon, a spasm wracked my stomach and I collapsed uncontrollably to the floor.
My heart was filled with nothing but regret and sorrow. After loving Ryan for so many years, I had finally reached the point where I could no longer love him anymore.
Ryan's gaze was like daggers aimed at me.
Without warning, the bodyguard suddenly stepped on my finger.
That's when I finally showed fear. "Ryan, what are you doing!" I screamed.
"Apologize," Ryan repeated that word, his voice cold and threatening. "If you don't apologize in a minute, I'll break one of your fingers. Now, you have ten minutes."
My face turned pale and my lips trembled uncontrollably. He knew better than anyone how dazzling I was in the art world because of these hands. How could he destroy the very hands he used to be so proud of?
"Ryan, you're a lunatic!" I could no longer restrain myself and roared in fury.
If I had another chance, I would rather never have met him.
Then, the housekeeper walked over cautiously and said, "Mr. Fulmer, your father just called. They said to come over for dinner tonight."
