Mathilda’s POVI gathered every bit of courage I had left to speak honestly to Fredric.I don’t even know why anymore—maybe I’m just tired.Tired of constantly being cornered, blamed, humiliated.I just want it to end, one way or another.Whether they punish me or destroy my name in front of Mrs. Rosa, I no longer care.All night, I’d been thinking about running away from them—escaping this prison disguised as a marriage.I’ve been living under constant fear, haunted by every scream, every slap, every word meant to break me.I can’t keep torturing myself like this. I need to get away.With the money I’ve managed to save over the last month, I can survive. I can find work—anywhere.Even if it means leaving Mrs. Rosa’s home and the safety that came with it.“What the hell are you saying, Mathilda?! Stop stirring up trouble!” Fredric snapped, stepping toward me, his voice thunderous and sharp.Tears stung my eyes as I struggled to breathe, but I refused to look away this time.I forced t

“It’s hard to believe ten days have already passed. Today, we’re heading back to New York.I can’t even begin to describe how chaotic this so-called vacation has been. Everything that’s happened—every lie, every humiliation—has merged into one endless blur, especially after discovering Paula’s affair.Unfortunately, I only caught them together that one night at the bar. After that, she covered her tracks flawlessly.For a moment, I thought seeing her like that would make this trip less meaningless—like I’d at least uncovered something worth knowing—but it didn’t.Fredric has grown even colder toward me, and Paula keeps finding new ways to insult me.It goes without saying—these days have been nothing short of miserable.Most of the time, I sleep. Sometimes I admire the scenery or force myself to play along in the nauseating charade whenever we video-call Mrs. Rosa. Then I eat whatever food is served and retreat back into silence.That’s how it’s been for the past ten days.The only th

Fredric’s POVAt some point, I’ll have to tell Paula about Mathilda’s pregnancy.She’ll never accept it—of that I’m sure. This is, without question, the worst possible news.I still can’t believe it myself. But even if I accuse Mathilda of getting pregnant by another man, it wouldn’t change the truth.That baby is mine.I still remember the blood on the sheets that night—proof of her virginity.I’m the one who got Mathilda pregnant.And honestly, I do feel a sense of guilt.I never should’ve taken her that day. She’s already endured so much because of this fake marriage, and now she has to bear something this heavy, something neither of us ever expected.She’s grown colder since then. The disappointment and anger in her eyes cut deeper than any of her words.But my pride… my damn pride keeps me from showing any sympathy.Instead, I lash out. I find myself needing to corner her, to scold her, to make her feel small.Like now.We’ve just arrived home, and though I can tell she’s moving

Mathilda’s POVI woke up to the bright glow of the ceiling lights, the room bathed in white. Night had already fallen.Reaching for my phone on the pillow beside me, I saw the time—8 p.m. I’d been asleep for more than ten hours.My body felt lighter than it had in the morning, the pounding in my head mostly gone. I stretched my arms, turning to my left, expecting to see the quiet, empty room—Only to let out a startled scream when I saw Fredric sitting silently by the bed, staring at me with a serious expression.“KYAA!”I immediately clamped a hand over my mouth, my heart racing. Fredric didn’t flinch. He just kept his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on me.I scrambled upright and bowed my head in embarrassment.“I’m sorry, Mr. Fredric. You startled me—I didn’t mean to shout.”“Sit down,” he said calmly. “Maybe I’m the one who should apologize for showing up like this. I’m… confused, Mathilda.”The way he said it—it shocked me. His voice sounded weary, almost gentle.“I’m sorry, Mr. Fre

Mathilda’s POVWe stayed out in the garden after that. Fredric didn’t even bother to answer his ringing phone — or silence it.The constant vibration was driving me crazy, so I glanced at it… and saw Paula’s name flashing on the screen.Of course.That woman just wouldn’t stop. She never would. She’d chase Fredric to the ends of the earth if she had to.Her own foolishness had made her lose everything women like her dream of — and now she was clawing to get it back.“She’s even more annoying than you,” Fredric muttered, still watching the fountain.I blinked. Excuse me?Was I supposed to take that as a compliment? Was annoying the standard by which he measured the women in his life now?“She’s doing that because she still loves you,” I said quietly. “No woman would want to lose someone like you, Mr. Fredric.”He turned his head toward me, his lips curving slightly. “Including you?”I stared at him. What was wrong with him tonight?I knew he could be arrogant, but tonight, he seemed al