The person who had spent days reaching out to Deanna finally lost hope and stopped expecting any response from her.

Everything changed the moment Deanna's reply appeared on his phone. Relief and excitement spilled from him at once. "Ms. Evans, you've finally said yes! That's fantastic news. I'll make my way to the Spencer estate soon so we can go over the engagement details. If you have any requests at all, just let me know! Mr. Gerard Gordon has promised to do whatever he can to meet your needs!"

Deanna kept her thoughts to herself, knowing the things she truly wanted were far beyond anything the Gordon family could provide.

He didn't seem bothered by her silence, and reminded her she could ask for anything, anytime.

Once the call ended, Deanna went to change.

Since Jayden "died", she hadn't cared about appearances. Her choice of outfits had turned plain, and the color had drained from her face. Her beauty lingered, but it was dulled by exhaustion.

But today, she had a reason to try. She was about to negotiate a marriage proposal and needed to look the part—graceful and striking.

She was determined to make a place for herself in the Gordon family, especially with Richard breathing down her neck.

If she wanted any hope of fighting back, she had to make a bold impression now.

A long breath steadied her nerves as she packed up what little she owned.

About an hour later, she had finished gathering her things.

When she made her way downstairs, she nearly ran right into Talia.

Talia caught Deanna's eye. The deep mark on her neck—a glaring souvenir from last night—made it obvious just how wild things had gotten with Jayden.

Deanna's gaze flickered with a touch of irony before she shifted her eyes away.

As she started to walk off, Talia's voice cut through the air. "Deanna, don't you feel any shame at all?"

Deanna stopped in her tracks and turned, facing Talia directly.

Jealousy twisted Talia's features. She had always resented Deanna's beauty. If Deanna weren't so captivating, Brody never would have been so taken with her. Even after marrying Talia, Brody couldn't let go of his obsession. Worse yet, Deanna's name had been whispered by the man lying beside her just last night.

Looking at Deanna's delicate yet irresistible face only fueled Talia's anger.

Without warning, Talia marched forward and grabbed Deanna's wrist in a vise-like grip. "Your husband's barely cold on the floor, and you're already chasing after his brother. No wonder you turned out this way, considering you grew up without parents!"

The pain from Talia's nails biting into her skin jolted Deanna.

Instantly, Deanna's face hardened. Any mention of her parents always set her off. Unable to hold back, she raised her hand and slapped Talia with all the force she could muster.

A sharp crack rang out, leaving Talia's cheek stinging and red. For a moment, she could only stare in disbelief—she had never imagined Deanna could fight back. Her voice quivered as she said, "You actually hit me?"

"Why shouldn't I?" Deanna answered, her tone like ice. "If you can't keep your mouth in check, then I'll make sure you learn how."

Talia's face contorted with anger, her eyes flashing as she lowered her voice. "Deanna, do you really think things are the same as before? No matter what you say, Ja—Brody is my husband now!"

A flicker of confusion crossed Deanna's face. For a second, it almost sounded like Talia had meant to say Jayden instead of Brody.

That moment didn't last. Suddenly, Talia staggered, lost her balance, and toppled down the staircase.

Her scream tore through the air, sending the whole Spencer household into a frenzy.

Jayden rushed onto the scene. The moment he saw Talia sprawled on the steps, he barked at the butler to call for the family's private doctor.

He bent down to support Talia, then shot Deanna a venomous glare. Through clenched teeth, he scoffed, "If anything happens to her, I'll make you pay for it!"

A dry, humorless laugh threatened to escape Deanna. Her own husband never even bothered to find out what really happened. He just assumed she was to blame and rushed to protect someone else. The absurdity of it all left her feeling hollow.

Three years together, and for what?

Jayden refused to let her walk away unscathed. After helping Talia get settled, he seized Deanna by the wrist and dragged her back to Talia's door, insisting she apologize.

Deanna wanted to refuse, but Jayden's grip was too strong, and her tired body couldn't put up a fight. She had no choice but to follow him.

Jayden's fingers dug painfully into her wrist, dragging Deanna back to memories she wished she could forget. He had once asked her to marry him, vowing that he would always keep her safe. Was this his idea of protection now?

A hollow laugh slipped from Deanna's lips, the sound making Jayden's scowl deepen.

He demanded, "How can you be so heartless? Talia's still unconscious, and you find this funny?"

Without another word, Jayden shoved her into a chair, his grip so fierce it felt as if he meant to shatter her bones. There was no mistaking his intent—he wanted her to pay for what happened.

After what felt like forever, the doctor finally stepped out. "Mrs. Spencer is pregnant, but it's very early—around forty days," he explained. "That fall put the pregnancy at risk. I'm not a specialist, so you need Dr. Oliver Quinn here immediately. If not, the baby may not make it."

Deanna's mind reeled. Pregnant for forty days? But Brody hadn't set foot in the house at all during that time...

Deanna's thoughts spun, her eyes narrowing as realization struck. Brody had been gone for two months before his death, always away for work, never once returning. So how was Talia suddenly expecting a child?

An unsettling suspicion took root—while Brody was absent, Jayden was the only man left in the house. The truth became glaringly obvious. Talia's child must be Jayden's. Their affair must have started long before, meaning Jayden's betrayal went deeper than she ever imagined.

Deanna's chest tightened, and she doubled over in a fit of coughing, unable to contain the rage inside her. Jayden once struggled with infertility, and it was only through her knowledge that he recovered. She had helped him, and yet the first thing he did after regaining his health was get his own sister-in-law pregnant.

A wave of fury threatened to consume her.

Across the room, Jayden's anger eclipsed even hers. He was well aware of his medical history and knew how much this baby meant to him. The possibility of losing the child sent him into a frenzy.

He snatched his phone, urgently dialing Dr. Quinn, then shot Deanna a look full of venom. "I never realized just how cruel you could be. You owe Talia, and you're going to pay for this!" He turned to the butler and scoffed, "Bring the whip!"

Breathless from the coughing, Deanna looked up at Jayden. The man she once loved had become a stranger, twisted by hate. The Spencer family's punishments were brutal—a hundred lashes, something no ordinary man could endure, let alone someone as frail as her. Jayden knew full well that her body might not survive, but he was bent on making her pay, no matter the cost.

Deanna was still piecing together her scattered thoughts when Jayden forced her down, pinning her to the cold floor. Within minutes, the butler returned, holding out a whip laced with vicious barbs.

A wave of terror washed over her. Jayden didn't hesitate. Ignoring everything they'd shared over three long years, he tied her hands and ankles, shoving her to her knees. The rough cords bit into her skin, leaving angry marks, and humiliation flooded her as she knelt, her heart fracturing with every second.

A phone camera was suddenly thrust in her direction.

Jayden's voice rang out, devoid of warmth. "Start recording. Talia will want to see this for herself once she's awake."

Hearing this, Deanna felt her blood run cold. Her voice came out in a hoarse whisper. "You're really willing to risk my life just to keep Talia happy?"

Jayden shot her a look filled with contempt. "Don't be so dramatic. We're not going to let you die."

A broken, humorless smile flickered across Deanna's lips. Maybe she wouldn't die, but this pain would make her wish for it. Was this the same Jayden who once claimed she was the most precious thing in his world? She could hardly believe it.

Suddenly, the crack of the whip shattered the air. Deanna met Jayden's eyes, her gaze no longer soft or loving, but burning with betrayal and rage.

Something in her stare made Jayden falter for a heartbeat. His hand slipped, and the whip landed at an angle, scraping across her back and tearing the skin.

The strike wasn't his hardest, and her bones stayed intact, but the agony sent shudders through her body.

Still, none of that compared to the devastation she felt inside.

She met Jayden's gaze directly, her voice shaky yet unwavering. "If I could do it all over again, I'd never have chosen you."

Jayden's breath caught in his throat. A strange chill crept through him. Had she somehow learned the truth? That couldn't be—he'd covered his tracks at every turn. There was no way she could have uncovered it.

His thoughts were cut short by a furious shout. "Brody, just what do you think you're doing to the next Mrs. Gordon?"

The words made Jayden's grip tighten around the handle of the whip, disbelief clouding his face. He stared at Deanna, bewildered. "Next Mrs. Gordon? Deanna, are you seriously thinking about marrying someone else?"

Blood dripped from Deanna's mouth as she pulled herself up, barely managing to stay upright with the help of the wall.

She wiped her lips clean, her eyes flashing with cold defiance. "What business is it of yours?"

Jayden froze, taking in her striking features—pale, yet still arresting. Reality crashed down on him. He was no longer her husband, just a brother-in-law. Even if she gave her heart to someone else, he had no right to interfere. Still, he couldn't shake the memory of how much she once loved him. How could she move on so quickly?

Paralyzed by panic and dread, Jayden couldn't muster the strength to do anything.

Seizing the moment, the man from the Gordon family shoved Jayden aside, moved swiftly to Deanna, and knelt down to untie the ropes binding her hands and feet.

Within moments, her wrists were raw and bleeding, every movement sending fresh jolts of pain up her arms.

Deanna's gratitude showed in her eyes as her rescuer introduced himself in a gentle tone. "Ms. Evans, my name is Blaine Lambert. I serve as Mr. Gerard Gordon's assistant."

While helping her, Blaine couldn't help but notice that, even battered and weakened, Deanna's beauty was undeniable. She'd be a striking match for Connor.

Only then did Jayden snap out of his daze. He noticed the sleek black card in Blaine's hand—no doubt a formal token from the Gordons. Seeing Deanna accept help from Blaine so calmly, Jayden had a hunch that she had truly resolved to remarry.

He stormed over, seizing Deanna's wrist so tightly she flinched. "Deanna, Jayden's funeral was barely eleven days ago and you're already moving on? Don't you care about the Spencer family's reputation? Don't you care about him at all?"

A bitter laugh escaped Deanna as she met his gaze, every word dripping with contempt. "He broke every promise he ever made to me!"

Jayden's face went pale, his heart hammering in his chest. He couldn't meet her eyes, so he turned on Blaine instead. "Mr. Lambert, you should leave. The Spencer family won't approve this marriage."

The warmth in Blaine's face disappeared. His eyes narrowed as he replied, "You don't approve? What's next—are you going to beat her to death?"

Jayden's features twisted in anger. He squeezed Deanna's wrist until she winced, but she tore her hand free.

Without hesitating, Deanna yanked off her wedding ring and hurled it at Jayden. The ring struck his cheek and left a thin, bloody mark. Her voice rang with finality. "Brody, from now on, I have nothing to do with your family anymore!"

Blaine glanced at Deanna with a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Ms. Evans, are you ready to come to the Gordon Estate with me now?"

Jayden didn't even bother wiping away the blood on his cheek. His entire focus was fixed on Deanna, his Adam's apple bobbing with nerves.

He opened his mouth, struggling to find the right words, but Deanna's gentle reply cut him off before he could speak. "Yes, I'm ready. Thank you for coming."

The words struck Jayden like a blow. For the first time, he realized just how completely he had lost her.

Deanna never once looked back at Jayden as Blaine helped her into the car.

He stood frozen, unable to stop them. Part of him knew he had no claim on her anymore, and the other part understood that the Spencer family were powerless against the Gordons. Still, the finality of it all seemed unreal. Deanna had once loved him with her whole heart—how could she walk away so easily?

He stared down at the wedding ring Deanna had thrown at him, the same one he'd chosen for her himself. Even now, it still carried the delicate scent that reminded him of her.

As Deanna settled into the car, her last glimpse was of Jayden lowering his head, pressing the ring to his nose, trying to breathe in what little of her remained.

She slumped into the seat, pain radiating from her injuries, and let the bitter irony settle in her heart.

...

Upon arriving at the Gordon Estate, Deanna was ushered away to treat her wounds. When she reappeared, Gerard was already waiting for her in the living room.

Despite his age, Gerard radiated strength and authority. "I know it isn't easy, marrying a man who may never wake up. But you have my word—once you become part of the Gordon family, you'll be one of us, and we will stand behind you."

Deanna lowered her head, her eyes flickering with complex emotions. Gerard's words made it clear he understood the dangers she faced from Richard.

She lifted her gaze and offered a polite, composed smile. "Thank you. I understand."

Deanna usually radiated energy and warmth, but whenever she dialed up her sweetness, she could melt the hearts of elders in an instant.

Gerard studied her with open approval. Setting aside her delicate health, he found both her grace and her family background more than acceptable.

"You'll need to start getting used to Connor's presence, since you'll be his wife before long," Gerard muttered. "Tonight, you'll stay in his room."

The suggestion made Deanna's fingers tense for a moment, but she gave a demure nod and agreed.

With a wave of Gerard's hand, Blaine rose to guide Deanna down the hall.

She trailed after him, her steps obedient but her gaze unreadable. Gerard might have said this was to help her grow accustomed to Connor, but Deanna knew better. He wanted proof that she could handle caring for his grandson. If she failed the test, he'd likely call off the marriage entirely.

Her thoughts drifted until she realized they had stopped outside Connor's room.

Deanna slipped through the door, and the sight before her brought her to a stunned halt.

Sprawled across the soft bed was a man whose presence seemed to command the entire room. His features were sculpted and striking, with a quiet intensity that lingered even in sleep. Months of immobility hadn't stolen his appeal—he was only slightly more slender, his body still athletic beneath the sheets. If anything, the long rest had polished his looks to an impossible sheen. It almost felt unfair to call it beauty, but no other word fit; he looked like he'd been carved by the hand of an artist.

Catching Deanna's stunned expression, Blaine offered a satisfied nod. "Ms. Evans, allow me to formally present your fiance."

He paused, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Mr. Gerard Gordon is hoping to welcome a new member into the family to carry on the lineage. He's counting on you tonight, Ms. Evans."

A moment's hesitation seized Deanna. She knew her role here—she was meant to give Connor an heir—but wasn't Gerard being just a little too forward?

Keeping her voice even, Deanna lowered her eyes and replied quietly, "Understood. Thank you for letting me know."

While they exchanged words in low voices, neither noticed the slight twitch of the sleeping man's hand on the bed.

Blaine, looking thoroughly pleased with the arrangement, handed Deanna a discreet box. "Mr. Gerard wants to evaluate Connor's sperm motility. He's trusting you to collect it tonight."

Deanna's composure faltered. Was she truly supposed to collect Connor's sperm?