Chapter 2

"What? How is that possible? We've been researching for so long, never understanding the root cause of Mr. Thorne's issues!"

"It was only after countless discussions among a panel of experts that we finally devised a plan..." the doctor babbled excitedly on the other end.

I just slowly lifted my gaze.

Upstairs, the girl was waltzing, clumsily stepping on Alex's feet.

A sudden, freeing laugh bubbled up from deep inside me, mixed with tears.

Maybe the real problem was-I never should become Mrs. Thorne.

I didn't wait for their dance to end. I just got up and went home.

I opened my closet, staring blankly at the row of red dresses hanging there.

Before I got married, red was my favorite color.

But because Alex couldn't stand to see me in it, all those beautiful dresses were banished to the back of my closet, gathering dust.

This time, I wasn't going to play his game anymore. I was done being the punchline.

When he returned, the first thing he saw was me, sitting calmly, sipping coffee, in a vibrant red dress.

He instantly lunged at me, his fingers closing around my throat like a vice.

"Didn't I tell you? You are never to wear this color!"

His fist drew back, ready to strike, but then it froze. His face twisted in a mask of pure agony.

I remembered the last time he'd told me he loved me.

He'd claimed he was fighting with every fiber of his being to control his "instincts," to not hurt me.

"Alex."A faint, mocking smile touched my lips as I looked at him. "Didn't you say you loved me? I want to see if you can control yourself for my sake."

Alex clenched his jaw, the veins on his hands bulging, stark against his skin as he struggled for control.

Finally, with a roar of frustration, he smashed a glass bottle, cutting his hand, then spun on his heel and stormed out.

I watched his retreating back, my eyes turning cold.

"See? You can control yourself."

Last time, I'd accidentally worn red, and he'd beaten me until I miscarried.

When he saw me lying in the hospital bed, his brow furrowed with annoyance.

"Didn't I tell you to only wear white from now on? No red!"

"You know I have a violent reaction to red! You always have!"

I was pale and weak, and I started to cry, hurt and bewildered.

Alex pulled me into a tight embrace, a flicker of what looked like remorse in his eyes.

"Shh, my sweet. It's because of my psychological issues. I'm sorry I put you through this."

"Just promise me you won't wear red anymore, and everything will be fine."

I choked down my hurt, nodding my agreement.

But then Chloe appeared, and I realized I'd been played for a fool.

Our private doctor was outside, tending to Alex's hand, while I packed my suitcase in the bedroom.

Perhaps the sounds of my packing alerted Alex.

"Why are you going away on another business trip?"

He pushed the door open and walked in, embracing me from behind.

A flurry of kisses rained down on my neck.

My body stiffened, but I didn't push him away. I let him perform his tenderness. His fake tenderness.

"I still have some loose ends to tie up. My presence is required."

There was no real need for a business trip.

I just couldn't stand to see Alex for a while.

Alex began to unbutton my shirt.

"Evie." His voice was hoarse. "Hold me tight."

He wanted me.

He roughly pinned my hands above my head.

I remained silent, but my stiff hands pulled away from his grasp.

Noticing my unusual behavior, he opened his eyes.

"Evie, are you still angry?"

I still didn't say anything.

Alex dropped to one knee, looking utterly devout. He pulled a gift box from behind his back.

"I bought you some new clothes. See if you like them."

Inside was a pure white dress.

I recoiled, a wave of nausea washing over me. I pushed the gift box aside.

"Alex, let's get a divorce."