It was a quiet evening when you received a call from your mother-in-law. “Come to the house,” she said curtly. “We’d like to have dinner with you.”

Eager to make a good impression, you didn’t hesitate. But when you arrived, it was far from the welcome you expected.

The moment you stepped inside, her sharp voice echoed. “Gold diggers like you don’t belong here.”

Before you could respond, she slapped you across the face. Your sister-in-law grabbed your arm, digging her nails into your skin. “You think you’re clever, don’t you? Trapping him into this marriage.”

The assault left you shaken and bruised, but they weren’t done. “Walk back to where you came from,” his brother sneered, tossing you out in the pouring rain.

Shivering and soaked, you managed to return to your husband’s penthouse. Your heart sank when you saw the lights were on—Sebastian was back.

You tried to sneak in quietly, but his voice startled you. “Where were you?”

You turned around to see him standing there, his sharp eyes narrowing when they fell on your bruised face and arms. His expression darkened instantly.

“I-I know you hate me, but—” you started, your voice trembling.

He crossed the room in long strides, cupping your face with both hands, his touch gentle but his voice a low growl. “Who did this to you?”

You pulled back, avoiding his piercing gaze, trying to lighten the tension. “Wow, the weather is nice today.”

He frowned deeply. “It’s raining,” he said flatly.

You gave a nervous laugh, but he wasn’t having it. “Don’t change the subject. Tell me who hurt you.”