Chapter 2

Back at the estate, the snow on the ground was pristine—Ethan clearly hadn't come home yet.

I drew the curtains and sank onto the carpet, drained of all strength.

My phone shattered the silence. It was Ethan.

"Alessia's throwing a party. She insists I bring you. I'm coming to pick you up."

Before I could refuse, he hung up.

He arrived quickly. Seeing I hadn't changed, he only sighed softly.

He pulled a figure-hugging gown from the closet.

"Be good. Go put this on—it's not polite to keep them waiting."

"I saw the photos online. You… don't overthink it. I believe you, okay?"

He started to slip off my coat. I snapped my hand up and caught his wrist.

I thought of what they'd discussed in that hourly-rate hotel room.

"Don, so how are you going to play this out with Iris?"

Ethan hadn't answered, but Alessia's voice had come through his phone.

"Obviously we make everyone—including her—wonder if maybe she's just not decent!"

"When she's vulnerable, she'll cling to any lifeline. Ethan can just play the savior when she's at her lowest. That way it won't hurt their relationship, and I'll get my satisfaction."

"Ethan, you promised you'd never let me be wronged. Please?"

After a long silence, Ethan had agreed.

"Okay."

Soon after, my intimate photos appeared on every major website's front page—even the dark web.

I never imagined that after four years with my Don boyfriend, the first time he'd ever use his power against me would be to settle someone else's grudge.

I smiled bitterly.

"You believe what, exactly?"

I yanked the dress off and tossed it aside. I was exhausted.

"I'm not going to the party. Go have fun with them yourself."

Ethan's brow furrowed—his tell when he was displeased.

Sure enough.

"Iris! Stop being difficult!"

"Alessia heard about what's online. Tonight's party is something she arranged specifically for you—to help you relax. She also wants to formally apologize to you in front of everyone."

His fingertip traced the bruises on the back of my hand.

"Alessia's being thoughtful. Don't be ungrateful."

The car stopped in front of the bar. I reached into my bag for a mask to put on.

He looked at me—tender, resolute.

"You don't need that. I believe in you. Believe in yourself too, okay?"

He threw the mask out the window. Then he pulled me bodily from the car.

The instant I stepped into the noisy bar, every single pair of eyes landed on me.

I could hear the unconcealed whispers from the corners.

"Look—that's her, right? She seems so quiet and sweet. Who knew she was such a slut behind closed doors."

"That's definitely her! The photos are way too high-res—there's no mistaking it. Fuck, she's filthy. Even hotter in person!"

"Hahahaha…"

I kept my spine rigid, swallowing the nausea, and let Ethan lead me into the private room.

The moment we stepped inside, Ethan let go of my hand.

I kept my head down, staring at the tips of my shoes in a panic, praying the familiar faces in here would be different.

They weren't. The Capos' stares in here were even more viscous, more brazen, more revolting than outside.

"I don't feel well. I want to go home."

I turned to leave, but a hand clamped around my wrist. A rough thumb traced circles on my skin, making goosebumps erupt across my body.

The man holding me was Ethan's Underboss—the one who'd been jeering the loudest that day.

His gaze raked over me without shame.

"Iris, where are you going? It's rare we get to unwind together. Don't you want to get a little… closer?"

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