Evelyn clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms . Absurdity and fury washed over her like a tidal wave . Since when did a mistress have the gall to demand that a wife simply step aside ? She opened her mouth to answer , but the nurse assigned to her hurried over , voice urgent . " Ms. Hart , why are you out here ? It's time to change your dressing . Oh - your wound is bleeding again ! " The pain throbbed . Evelyn inhaled , forced herself to stay quiet , and shot Sophie one last , hard look before following the nurse . To Sophie , Evelyn's silent exit read as provocation - a refusal to yield . Sophie watched her go , her expression cooling . She murmured , " Won't give in ? Fine . I'll make sure you do it willingly . " After the dressing was changed and the IV finished , Evelyn was bone - tired and desperate for sleep . Just as she began to drift , the hospital room door was kicked open with a thunderous bang . Graham filled the doorway . His face was darker and colder than she had ever seen it , and the calm depth that usually lay in his eyes had been replaced by a terrifying , boiling rage . They had been married for years and she had never seen him look at her like that . She went still . "Evelyn - was it you ? " Graham strode in , his voice edged with ice . " Did you tell Sophie's ex where she was ? " Evelyn blinked , stunned . " What ... what do you mean ? I don't- " " Don't play dumb . " Disappointment and anger flashed across his face . " Sophie's ex is a psychopath . He refused to accept the divorce ; she had to file for a no - fault divorce to get away from him . " " I worked to keep her hidden these past few days . But because I rescued Sophie from the river first , you got jealous , right ? You dug up his contact info and called him with the hospital address , didn't you ? " " I didn't ! " Evelyn finally understood the accusation and shook her head hard . " I don't even know her ex . I never called him . " " You're still denying it ? " Graham's tone went sharp , full of contempt . " Because of your leak , he found her and stabbed her three times . She nearly didn't make it . " - " At first she refused to finger you tried to protect you . I had to press her several times before Chapter 6 26.09 % she reluctantly said your name . She even said you were young and it was a lapse in judgment . " " She's been nothing but considerate toward you - and this is how you repay her ? Evelyn , I always thought you were innocent and kind . When did you turn malicious ? " Malicious . The word struck her like a blade , twisting into her chest . She looked at the man she loved , watching him burn with anger on another woman's behalf , and the whole thing felt both absurd and unbearably painful . " So you take her word as gospel ? " Her voice trembled with hurt and disbelief . " Won't you hear my side ? I said I don't know her ex . I never made that call . " " Who else could have told him ?! " Graham snapped . " Only the three of us knew she was here- you , me , and Sophie . Do you think she invited her ex to stab her three times just to frame you ? " His eyes were cold and disappointed. " Evelyn , you're young - I can forgive mistakes . But the worst thing is refusing to acknowledge them . Sophie almost died . I owe her an answer . " He turned away from her pale face and called out , flat and commanding , " Security ! " Two military police officers stepped into the room . " Ms. Hart is suspected of intentionally endangering another person , " one officer said . " Escort her out . She'll receive twenty lashes and one night in solitary for reflection . " " Graham , please ! I swear I didn't ! Believe me ! " Evelyn sobbed , thrashing and pleading . But Graham did not look back . They hauled her away . Even though the MPs were instructed to show restraint because of her status , each of those twenty lashes felt like fire tearing her skin . Her back burned and throbbed until it felt raw and split . By the time they dumped her in a damp , shadowed isolation cell , she was barely holding on . She curled up in the cold corner , shaking from the pain and the chill , and silent tears tracked down her cheeks . Late into the night , faint rustling sounded outside the door . Sophie's voice slid through the crack , low and cruel . " How do those lashes feel ? Enjoying solitary , are you ? " Chapter 6 26.09 % C Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!