Night fell over Eldergrove.
Elysia stepped out of the car and made her way into the luxurious five-star hotel. A mix of anticipation and anxiety filled her chest as she contemplated the upcoming encounter with her fiancé, Nathan. She took a deep breath, determined to remain composed; she refused to let anyone see her as a desperate woman.
The engagement banquet with Nathan had just concluded, despite her family's disapproval of their union. The mere thought of Nathan's affectionate presence brought a sense of solace to her troubled heart. This relationship offered an escape from the oppressive environment of her home, where her father had brought in a cruel stepmother, reducing Elysia to a servant-like role.
Nathan had entered her life like a ray of light during its darkest moments. Now, she stood on the precipice of embracing that light. They were on the verge of moving into their dream home, a place they had meticulously designed together, and starting a family with three beautiful children.
Nervously clutching the room card in her hand, Elysia stood before the door of the grand presidential suite on the top floor. Before Nathan's departure, he had cryptically hinted at a big surprise awaiting her. What could it be? Elysia's heart raced uncontrollably with excitement.
She eagerly pressed the room card against the sensor, but before she could even touch the doorknob, the door swung open on its own accord.
Confusion washed over Elysia as she walked into the room.
In the next moment, a moan reached her ears, causing her cheeks to flush.
"Ah – darling, faster, faster!"
The voice was all too familiar. It belonged to her stepsister, Catherine.
Why was Catherine here? Panic began to consume Elysia. No! It couldn't be true. Nathan wouldn't betray her, especially not with Catherine. He knew the pain Catherine had inflicted upon her!
However, Catherine's next words shattered any illusions Elysia had held.
"Tell me, Nathan, who is the woman you love the most?"
The sound of Nathan's name froze the joy on Elysia's face. Her complexion turned pale in an instant, and the room card slipped from her trembling hand. No! It couldn't be!
This had to be Catherine's sick joke. She had always been a snake, ready to destroy everything Elysia held dear.
Elysia stood outside the room, her heart heavy as if burdened by a colossal rock. She yearned to step forward and confirm her suspicions, but fear of what she might find held her back. What if this wasn't some cruel jest by Catherine?
"Nathan! Oh, your fiancee Elysia is here. She doesn't seem very pleased with our performance..." Catherine moaned, reaching for the remote to fully open the door.
Elysia finally saw Nathan clearly. He was thrusting vigorously into Catherine, his face devoid of remorse, consumed only by desire. He continued his actions, paying no heed to Elysia's presence.
Why?! Elysia's trembling lips struggled to form words. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably as she forced herself not to look at the repulsive scene unfolding on the bed. She needed answers – why had Nathan betrayed her?
Confronted with the stark contrast between their past happy memories and the harsh reality before her, Elysia took a deep breath, attempting to suppress the anger simmering within her chest. "Is this the surprise you prepared for me, Nathan?" Elysia's voice quivered, tears brimming in her eyes. "Why would you do this? Why betray me?!"
Upon hearing her words, Nathan finally disengaged from Catherine, hastily covering himself with a towel.
He shrugged, scoffing, "Betrayal? No, you've misunderstood, baby. I was only practicing with Catherine since you lack experience..."
What? What was he saying? How could he be so shameless? Was this the same Nathan who had always showered her with deep affection? How had he become so unrecognizable? Was this the man she had loved for the past three years?
"Nathan... tell me! Why? Why would you collude with my enemies to hurt me!" Elysia charged at Nathan, consumed by despair. But before she could even touch him, he grabbed her wrist, forcefully shoving her to the ground. Her forehead collided with the tea table, blood instantly streaming down her face.
In the past, even the slightest injury would have left Nathan heartbroken. But now, the force he exerted proved his genuine intent to harm her.
Why did he harbor such hatred towards her? What had she done wrong?
"Why..." Elysia repeated the word, her voice filled with desperation and confusion. All she wanted was an answer.
Nathan approached her, roughly lifting her chin. "Elysia, since you've discovered the truth, I see no reason to pretend any longer. Now, if you want to live, you must sign this equity transfer agreement!"
With a swift movement, he picked up a sheet of paper from the table, tossing it in front of Elysia. Glancing at the terms on the page, Elysia instantly understood why Nathan had betrayed her. Their relationship had merely been a means to gain her trust and seize the shares her mother had left her.
She had begun to suspect Nathan's unwavering devotion. His parents had never approved of her, and her own father had wanted Nathan to be with Catherine due to their powerful family. However, Nathan had defied everyone, standing steadfastly by her side, all in anticipation of this day.
Bitterness tugged at the corners of Elysia's lips. "So, you've planned this all along!" But just as quickly, she raised her head, her voice filled with anger. "I won't sign! You'll never get my shares in Austin Group!"
With a sudden slap, Nathan's hand struck Elysia's face.
"Wretched woman! You have no say in this!" he growled.
Once again, Elysia found herself sprawled on the floor. She gazed towards the hotel entrance, summoning all her strength to crawl towards the corridor. She was certain she would find hotel security there!
However, before she could make any progress, Catherine stepped on her hand. "Trying to run?" Catherine hissed, her words venomous.
"Let go of me, you wretch!" Elysia knew she couldn't sign the contract. She fought frantically against the unbearable mistreatment inflicted upon her by both Catherine and Nathan.
Catherine snapped her fingers, prompting several men in black tuxedos to rush in from all directions. They forcibly grabbed Elysia's hand, slicing her finger with a small knife and leaving a glaring red, bloody fingerprint on the contract.
Despair washed over Elysia as she collapsed on the ground. Moments before entering the hotel, she had envisioned a life filled with happiness, adorned with rose petals. But now, her betrothed and stepsister sought to end her life. Why? What had she done to deserve this?
"My dear, this wretch is of no further use to us. What should we do with her?" Catherine asked, a wicked smile adorning her face.
Nathan remained silent, his expression grave, as he reached for Elysia's collarbone. "Only the dead can keep secrets forever."
The pressure around her neck increased, gradually depriving Elysia of air. Her neck arched back, and she opened her mouth in a silent scream for help.
Overwhelmed by despair, tears streamed down Elysia's cheeks.
"Wouldn't it be too easy to let her merely die?" Catherine smoothly dressed herself and hopped off the bed, producing a syringe seemingly out of thin air.
Placing her hand on Nathan's shoulder, Catherine said, "My love, let me handle this."
A malicious grin spread across Nathan's face as he promptly released his grip on Elysia.
"From childhood until now, you've always been such a nuisance, always competing with me for everything. You truly are a despicable person, Elysia. But today, you will become a whore that anyone can ride!"
Catherine brandished the syringe and forcefully jabbed it into Elysia. Instantly, a surge of desire coursed through Elysia's veins.
"What is that…” Elysia asked in despair.
"Dear sister, weren't you eagerly looking forward to becoming Nathan's whore today? I thought I'd be kind-hearted and let you experience what it's like to be with a man before you die. It would be such a waste for someone as beautiful as you to simply perish. Go to the desolate and forsaken Lakerim, and serve as a sex slave for the soldiers there!"
Catherine's words struck Elysia, already resembling a dying fish, causing her to struggle once more.
She shrieked in despair, "No! You can't do this! I beg you! You've already achieved what you wanted, please, let me go..."
But Nathan and Catherine shamelessly began to kiss, leaving Elysia with no choice but to helplessly watch as she was dragged towards her own personal hell...
