I took a few more steps, peering through the trailing wisteria, and my entire world imploded. Julian Blackwood, dressed in a sharp suit, his back ramrod straight, held a delicate feather whip. He brought it down, again and again, on Serena Vance. Serena, bound to the swing set, was utterly exposed and dangerously alluring. Amidst her soft whimpers, Julian dropped the whip, descended upon her, and kissed Serena fiercely, possessively, yet with undeniable passion. Their bodies intertwined, his clothes shed, beads of sweat tracing paths down his spine. My face went ashen, my heart felt brutally ripped open, and for a moment, I was drowning in a torrent of despair. So, what I'd heard wasn't sobs at all, but Serena's cries of pleasure. The so-called whipping and torment were nothing more than a prelude to their intimacy. His "prison" was, in fact, a love nest! I stared numbly at the swaying swing set. Julian had spent an entire month building it for me with his own hands, his fingers covered in blisters. Back then, he'd said tenderly, "My Summer deserves all the unique beauty in the world. This swing is just for you, Summer, and so is my love." But now, he had given the swing, and his love, to another woman. A sworn enemy who had nearly destroyed me! I trembled uncontrollably, my palms digging in until they bled. A bone-deep pain consumed my entire body. But why, why on earth?! I soon found the answer. On the swing set, the passionate storm had passed. "You're amazing, husband, I feel so satisfied." Serena Vance's face was flushed. "The thought of 12:36 pm P < actually being married to you makes me feel like I'm dreaming." "You deserve it," Julian Blackwood said, slowly buttoning his shirt. "Three years ago, I only mentioned once that I didn't want Summer to go abroad for design studies; I wanted her by my side forever. And you, you foolish girl, took a knife and severed her hand, making sure she could never design again. Then you even turned yourself in, saying you'd rot in prison if it meant securing my happiness." "I considered myself cold-hearted and unfeeling, but even I couldn't be indifferent to such selfless love. Summer can openly enjoy my love, but you can only hide in this mansion. Granting you the title of wife as compensation seemed only fair." I stumbled backward, my heart feeling as if it were being flayed alive, piece by agonizing piece. Years ago, a spoiled playboy once mocked me, calling me an "angel with broken wings." Julian had ordered his men to rip out the man's bloody tongue, stating coldly, "Anyone who dares to badmouth Summer again will suffer this fate." But now, he was embracing the very woman who had shattered my wings, kissing her, loving her, giving her his name! "What if Ms. Hayes finds out?" Serena Vance asked, her face filled with worry. "Given her personality, she'll never accept it." Julian Blackwood's tone was calm and assured. "My love for Summer has never changed. I will protect her my entire life, and she will never find out." Before leaving, he slipped a pink diamond ring onto Serena Vance's hand. "Oh?" Serena gasped. "This was the grand finale at Sotheby's a few days ago, worth a hundred million! I... do I deserve such an expensive ring?" "You are my wife, of course you do." Julian Blackwood pecked her lips. "Happy three-year anniversary, my love." It wasn't until the black Porsche Cayenne disappeared down the road that I stumbled down the mountain in a daze. My phone vibrated. I numbly lit up the screen. 12:36 pm PD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!