Chapter 4

Click.

He pulled the trigger. An empty chamber.

My mind went blank. The only sound was the crashing waves.

The next second, strong arms yanked me against a hard chest.

Killian held me tight. His broad back was soaked in cold sweat, and his arms were trembling slightly.

"Crazy bastard."

Roman threw his cigar on the ground and crushed it with his shoe.

He stared hard at Killian.

"She chose you back then, and today, I finally respect it." Roman raised his hand and scoffed. "Risking your life for a woman. The casino is yours."

The crowd erupted in relieved cheers.

Killian let me go and gently kissed away the tears at the corners of my eyes.

"Don't be afraid, baby. It's yours." He soothed me tenderly.

Then, he turned his head. His devoted gaze instantly switched to absolute coldness.

"Tessa," he commanded coldly. "Get the first-aid kit. Wait in the VIP lounge. My head hurts."

Tessa immediately bowed her head and walked away quickly.

The sun was setting.

His underboss, Silas, walked over, looking a bit unnatural as he blocked my view. "Donna, the wind is too strong. I'll have a car take you back to the manor to rest."

I nodded and turned around numbly.

Halfway there, I realized I left my coat at the viewing deck.

When I walked back, the hallway was dead quiet.

Passing the half-open door of the VIP lounge, I stopped.

Two large bodyguards stood outside, smoking and whispering.

"Boss is in a rush, huh? Just played Russian Roulette and he's already fucking."

"He's got a lot of adrenaline. Good thing he sent the Donna away."

"If you ask me, the wife is a dead fish in bed. Why else would the Boss look elsewhere?"

"The one inside is a real whore. Think the Boss will let us get a taste when he's done with her?"

Filthy words. Every syllable was a stab to my heart.

I froze in place. I was so cold my blood stopped moving.

So, all his men knew!

They watched me play the clueless idiot, while secretly mocking and degrading me behind my back!

I trembled as I stepped closer to the crack in the door.

Inside, clothes were scattered everywhere.

Tessa's long legs were tightly wrapped around Killian's waist.

He didn't even take off his shirt. He just unbuckled his belt and pounded her violently against the expensive leather sofa.

"Boss... you're amazing..." Tessa cried out, taking his thrusts. Her voice was full of greed. "I want a gift too... Will you give me this casino?"

Killian thrust into her savagely, taking a leisurely drag of his cigar.

Through the smoke, he let out a cold scoff. "You're not worthy."

"Don..." Tessa squeezed out fake tears, desperately meeting his rhythm, begging pathetically. "Please... I'll do anything for you..."

Killian looked at her teary face. A wicked smirk flashed in his dark eyes.

He grabbed her jaw and kissed her deeply and fiercely.

"Serve me well, and I'll think about it." He panted heavily.

I fell into an abyss of ice.

How pathetic.

One second he was pointing a gun at his head for me. The next second, he casually promised this "life-threatening prize" to a whore moaning beneath him.

This was his deep love. Worthless.

Late that night, Killian returned to our bedroom.

He had washed off the stench of sex, bringing only the fresh scent of body wash as he pulled me into his arms.

"Baby, there was an accident," he kissed my hair, acting flawlessly disappointed. "The casino's books are a mess. It's a trap. I can't give it to you. I'll get you something else."

"Okay."

I didn't open my eyes. My voice was dead calm.

Killian froze. He clearly didn't expect me to accept it so calmly.

The old me would have been thrilled by a single glance from him, overjoyed by any gift.

Now, I was just cold.

His instincts screamed that something was wrong.

The next day.

Because of his lingering panic, Killian refused to let me out of his sight. He brought me to the legal corporate headquarters.

The entire skyscraper was on high alert.

Executives lined up, presenting me with priceless jewelry and limited-edition luxury goods like water.

Killian loved this god-like worship of me.

"Aria is my weakness, and she is the Queen of this empire." He pulled me onto his lap and announced to the room. "Everyone gets more authority and a raise today."

Deafening cheers and praises for me filled the room.

Just then, the office door was pushed open.

Wearing a tight pencil skirt, Tessa walked in holding some files.

"Boss, the executive meeting in ten minutes..."

"Get out."

Killian's face changed instantly. He glared at Tessa with freezing hatred.

"Can't you see I'm with the Donna? You have no fucking manners!"

Tessa's face turned pale. She bit her lip and retreated awkwardly.

The door clicked shut. Killian immediately turned and pinched my cheek tenderly.

"Baby, go wait in my private safe room next door. I have your favorite books in there. I'll come keep you company right after the meeting."

The safe room was dead quiet.

But the air felt heavy, suffocating me.

I opened the door and walked toward the rooftop terrace for some air.

As I got closer to the glass greenhouse, a blood-curdling scream came from inside.

"Ah! Boss! It hurts! I'm bleeding!"