The slaps and harsh words felt like they were tearing Elena's soul apart. She stood there, helpless, her heart breaking with each word Sophie spoke. She couldn’t move, couldn’t react, couldn’t even speak a word.
Richard stood unfazed. His eyes never left Elena, though his body was stiff. Sophie’s words had no power over him; they surely couldn’t change his resolve.
He was here for only one purpose: to claim Elena, to protect her at all costs.
But Sophie didn’t stop. She pushed Richard aside, forcing him to step back. Not only did she push Richard, but Sophie also moved straight toward Elena, and the slap from earlier still stung her right cheek. Elena instinctively took a step back, as if she couldn’t bear it any longer.
“You have to apologize, or you’ll lose everything. You’ll have no
