Chapter 3 Just as Sloane finished cleaning up the scraps of the wedding photo, the bedroom door opened again. Julian stood at the doorway. He didn't even step inside. His expression was blank, his tone calm yet commanding, leaving no room for refusal. "I have a sudden craving for the rum cake from that shop in the east district. Go and get it." The east district was clear across the city from the west, where the Shaw estate was located. The round trip would take a minimum of three to four hours. Julian had never concerned himself with such logistical details. His wants were her commands, regardless of the effort required. In the past, no matter how exhausted she was, she would have complied without a word. But now... she had just knelt in the cold rain all night. Her head was pounding, her body burning with fever. Seeing her hesitate, Julian's expression darkened imperceptibly. Sloane didn't argue. She quietly picked up her purse and car keys and walked out. Nearly four hours later, she placed the rum cake in front of him. Julian didn't spare her a glance. Instead, the sofa. I Treat straight to Lena, who was sitting on Auto-added to the Library He blew gently on a scoop of the sweet dessert and held it to Lena's lips. "You said you weren't feeling well and wanted something sweet. Try this." A faint blush colored Lena's pale face as she obediently took a bite. So it was Lena who wanted it. Sloane stood rooted to the spot, watching the scene unfold. A heavy, suffocating pressure built in her chest, making each breath feel like a searing pain. All these years, he had shut himself off completely. He refused conversation, rejected contact, needed her constant coaxing just to eat. She had endured all his moods, all his indifference, devoted herself to his care, to his every need. She had always believed his coldness and distance were manifestations of his condition. But in this moment, witnessing his meticulous care and infinite patience with Lena, the devastating truth finally dawned on her. He wasn't incapable of caring for someone. He wasn't born unable to be tender. Chapter 3 1.97% He simply hated her. The pain in her chest spread like a dull knife carving into her. Wordlessly, she turned and walked upstairs alone to the small guest room she had been relegated to. A deep chill wracked her body-perhaps the fever was worsening. She buried herself under the covers and fell into a fitful, heavy sleep. She didn't know how long she slept before the sound of chaos downstairs jolted her awake. She faintly heard Lena's cries of pain and Julian's panicked voice. Dragging herself to the door, she barely managed to open it before colliding with Julian. His face was stormy, his eyes burning with fury. He seized her wrist so hard it felt like he would crush the bone. His voice was like shards of ice. "Sloane Quinn! You poisoned the rum cake? Looks like last night's punishment wasn't enough!" Poison? Sloane stared, uncomprehending for a second, then reacted. "I didn't! I brought it straight to you! How could I have poisoned it?" "Who else would do it? Lena's in agony!" His voice was venomous. "Since you won't admit it, you can suffer what she's feeling-twice over." He snapped at the guards. "Get mangoes. Make her eat them." Sloane's eyes widened in terror. Mangoes. She was severely allergic. "Julian, don't! I'm telling the truth!" She tried to back away, but the guards held her firm, peeling a mango and forcing the fruit into her mouth. The sticky sweetness slid down her throat. Within moments, angry welts erupted across her skin. Her throat swelled, her breathing turned shallow and desperate, her chest heaving as her vision went black. Julian only watched coldly as she writhed in agony. Then he turned without hesitation, scooped the faintly groaning Lena from the sofa, and strode out of the estate toward the hospital. Chapter 3 1.97% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!