Chapter 1

Julian’s young niece had been stalked, brutally violated, and died a horrific death.

And he made me strip bare, forcing me to my knees in front of her memorial service, demanding I beg for forgiveness.

My arms instinctively crossed over my chest, trying desperately to cover myself, but Julian just gave a chilling smirk. His cold, heartless voice shattered the last shred of my hope.

“Harper, why wasn't it *you* who died?”

He shoved me hard, sending me sprawling to the floor. My hand instinctively flew to my stomach.

But the next moment, his mocking voice, devoid of all mercy, pierced my ears. “Harper, look at you. You look utterly pathetic, don’t you?”

With that, he sneered, his eyes filled with disgust, then gave a subtle nod to a few tough-looking guys lingering by the door.

Panic instantly seized me. My eyes pleaded with him, but he just ignored me.

He only looked at the photo on the altar, a tender expression on his face, and softly said, “Chloe, I’ve avenged you.”

That very day, I was violated by those thugs right there in the memorial service.

My unborn baby. Gone.

I finally gave up. The love I had forced simply wasn’t meant for me.