He Stole Me From the Man Who Saved Me

Chapter 5 Cage Me Before Letting Me Go

Just as their lips were about to meet, Xavier caught sight of Wendy's pale face in his peripheral vision and froze.

The nightmare that had haunted him countless times came rushing back: a truck crushing Wendy beneath its wheels, every bone in her body shattered, her eyes still open even in death.

Cold sweat broke across his back. He shoved Sophia away so abruptly that she nearly stumbled. "Come to my study tonight," he said, then strode out without another glance.

Sophia stood frozen for a moment before turning toward the bed, malice flashing in her eyes. "Stop pretending. I know you're awake."

Wendy slowly opened her eyes and sat up, tossing aside the sedative pill she had nearly crushed to powder in her palm.

So that was why he had sent Kiki away. The priest had claimed the child brought her bad luck. That absurd excuse was the reason her daughter had suffered for so long. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.

"You're crying already?" Sophia sneered. "I was planning to let him take me right in front of you. Too bad he prefers the study."

Wendy pointed toward the door, her voice sharp with fury. "Then get out and go to the study."

Sophia let out a cold laugh. "I really didn't expect you to figure out who I am. But what does it matter if you did? What if you know the child was switched? He'll never believe you. He'll only think you've gone insane again and send you back for more treatment." She leaned in, eyes gleaming with malice. "The title of Mrs. Sterling will never belong to you in the end."

Wendy slapped her hard across the face.

Sophia clutched her cheek in disbelief. "You dare hit me? Don't forget, your daughter is still in my hands."

"What do I have to fear?" Wendy shot back, her voice rising. "I'm not the weak woman I used to be. At least today, I'm still Mrs. Sterling, and you're nothing but a servant. I'll find my daughter, and I'll make you pay for everything."

Furious and humiliated, Sophia stormed out and headed for the study. The moment the door shut behind her, Wendy changed clothes, slipped out through the side entrance of the Sterling estate, and climbed into a waiting car. "Emerald Grove Villa. Hurry."

They had barely driven two blocks when a Rolls-Royce cut them off. Xavier stepped out, his face dark with fury, and yanked Wendy from the car before she could react.

The driver immediately dropped to his knees, holding up a watch with trembling hands. "Mr. Sterling, Mrs. Sterling was the one who hired me. This was her payment."

It was identical to the watch Xavier had given Wendy earlier that day.

Wendy's pupils contracted. "I didn't…"

Before she could finish, Xavier kicked the driver in the shoulder. As the man hit the ground, a pair of black lace panties fell from his pocket.

Xavier glanced at them, then at Wendy. "I didn't know you had a habit of giving your underwear to other men."

"Xavier, this is a setup!"

"Search the car." His voice cut through hers like ice.

Handcuffs, whips, lubricant, and a pile of s*x toys were dragged out and dumped onto the pavement one after another. Xavier's expression darkened with every item. Then he threw Wendy over his shoulder and carried her to the car.

Minutes later, he dumped her into the bathtub. Freezing water poured over her head as he squeezed out half a bottle of body wash and scrubbed her skin with manic force, as though he meant to peel her alive.

"Let go of me." Wendy struggled to rise, but he shoved her back down. "Xavier, listen to me…"

"Say what?" His voice was raw with rage. "Say you weren't cheating? Say Sophia framed you and I should fire her immediately?"

Wendy's heart went cold. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she said nothing more.

He scrubbed until her skin turned raw and blood seeped into the foam, staining it pink. There was no point in explaining. Diamond necklaces, luxury watches, the title of Mrs. Sterling, he could give her all of that. But trust was the one thing he would never give her.

When she stopped resisting, Xavier only grew angrier. He dragged her into the dark room, locked a dog collar around her neck, and threw a pile of adult toys at her feet. "You like filthy games, don't you?" he said coldly. "Seven days in here should be enough for you."

Wendy stared at the chain around her neck and suddenly laughed. "Xavier, if I'm so filthy in your eyes, why do you still insist on marrying me? Why didn't you just let me die?"

His movements stilled. Once again, that nightmare rose before his eyes: Wendy lying in a pool of blood, her eyes wide and lifeless. He turned away, his shoulders trembling. After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice hoarse. "I don't want regrets. This time, I'll treat it as punishment for betraying you before. After the wedding, we'll live properly together."

Late that night, the door to the dark room opened. Sophia walked in, her eyes gleaming with mockery. "The driver I hired did a great job, didn't he? How does it feel to be framed so perfectly you can't even defend yourself?"

Wendy sneered. "Then why am I still Mrs. Sterling while you're still the servant?"

Sophia's face twisted with rage. She lunged forward and wrapped both hands around Wendy's throat. "He saw your disgrace with his own eyes and still insists on marrying you. Why? Does he really love you that much?"

Wendy's vision darkened as she rasped, "If you kill me, do you think Xavier will spare you?"

Sophia released her unwillingly, then pulled out her phone and played a video. Onscreen, a baby cried until her tiny face turned red, fists clenched tight with distress.

Wendy's heart twisted in agony. "My daughter…"

Her voice trembled uncontrollably.

Sophia put away the phone and smiled smugly. "Does it hurt to see her like that? Good. Then do one thing for me at the wedding. Do it, and I'll give the child back."