Chapter 10 In that instant , she yearned for death . The repulsive odor of those men , their harsh handling , their crude language . It felt like a thousand invisible wounds slashing at her spirit . With Oliver gone , she had endured such treatment . Ariana abruptly stood , pulled her tattered clothes tighter , and looked at the windowsill . Without hesitation , she climbed onto it and decisively leaped down . The Gibson's villa was situated by the ocean . The sea erupted with a loud plop and splash , then fell eerily silent . It was as though nothing had occurred . Meanwhile , Ariana's phone , resting on the windowsill , buzzed with a message she would never read . " Ms. Harlan , all your arrangements are finalized . Tomorrow , we will pick you and Oliver up to leave . " Just one more day , and she could have taken Oliver away for good - away from New York , away from Eric . But unfortunately , neither she nor Oliver would ever depart . Ariana drifted up and down on the surface of the dark , deep ocean . So this was what dying felt like . 11 44 Chapter 10 11 Out of nowhere , hands reached out , trying to drag her toward the shore . Ariana's eyes fluttered open to reveal a dignified yet unknown face . " Hold on , stay alive ! " The man's eyes were as dark as the night , with depths surpassing even the deep sea . Eric stayed away from home for two weeks . He decided to give Ariana the silent treatment this time , avoiding pampering her excessively . His plan was to return to Ariana after marrying Mandy . He believed that after ignoring Ariana for so long , she would likely be touched and eager to embrace him . The wedding couldn't be extravagant , as it might make Ariana envious . and upset . However , Mandy had miscarried for him and would have more children with him in the future . So a modest wedding seemed reasonable . On the wedding day , a large screen would display a slideshow of photos capturing Eric and Mandy's affectionate moments together . These pictures were taken during the past two weeks , with Eric reluctantly agreeing to Mandy's tearful requests . Just before the slideshow started , Eric glanced down and picked up his phone . He had been ignoring Ariana for the past two weeks . Maybe the punishment had been enough . Chapter 10 " Sweetheart , I was wrong before . I shouldn't have treated you that way . Mandy won't bother us anymore . Once I sort things out with her , I'll return to you . " After sending the message , Eric pictured Ariana's delighted expression upon receiving it , causing a slight smile to form on his lips . The emcee started speaking , and the crowd quickly quieted down . The large screen began to display information . Eric watched the screen , still smiling , thinking about what gift might win Ariana back . She was notoriously hard to please , and he feared he would need to make a significant effort this time . In an instant , Eric's pupils shrank dramatically . The large screen displayed a startling image of Ariana : Within the confines of the Gibson's villa , four men were holding Ariana's hands and feet firmly . One of them was on top of her and , with a ripping sound , tore her clothes apart . Ariana cried out in distress and fear . But she was overpowered by the strength of the four men and was held down , unable to move ! The man laughed lewdly and abruptly forced himself upon Ariana . One after another … The crowd erupted into chaos , with several people pulling out their phones to record the screen . Eric's face turned pale , and he shook so much it seemed he could barely stay upright . Chacer 10 The veins on his forehead stood out prominently . He moved forward to switch off the large display , his eyes reddened , and he shouted in a strained voice . " Ariana … "