Chapter 16 Lilia regained consciousness in complete darkness . The slightest movement sent searing pain through her surgical wound . No bandages , no antibiotics , no care she was too weak even to speak . But Alaric wouldnt let her die that easily . Guards force fed her just enough to keep her alive . After a week , when her wound showed signs of healing , they ripped out the stitches . Her screams echoed through the basement as fresh blood stained the floor . Alaric watched it all through security feeds. He held a photo of Hestia from happier times , her smile radiant . Looking at it transported him back to when they were poor but content . Theyd worked hard together , shared tentative kisses , dreamed of their future . Then Hestia had seemingly abandoned him without a word . When they reunited , his pure , loving Hestia had transformed into someone materialistic , someone he didnt recognize . Hed tormented her , wanting to punish her for leaving . Just say you love me , hed thought . Just tell me there was a reason . I would have believed anything . Why hadnt she understood something so simple ? If she truly didnt love him , why risk her life repeatedly to save his ? Tears fell onto Hestias smiling face in the photo , as if they were crying together . The regret consumed him . Pride had meant nothing compared to their future . Why had he believed Lilias lies , hurting Hestia again and again ? They could have had another chance . Alaric broke down completely . Their love felt like a dream now fragile as soap bubbles , forever lost to time . 09:38 My Ex Husband Went Crazy After I Left Him And Becane 57.7 % Chapter 16 He pressed his forehead to the photo , trembling . His estate manager entered , waiting respectfully before speaking . Astoria wound is stable . Is it … Alaric looked up , eyes red but voice steady . Then proceed with the next phase . Keep her alive . Yes , sir . The manager left . Soon the monitors showed Lilia being given water . She drank desperately , not knowing it was drugged . As the drugs took effect , her body burned with fever the same trick shed once used on Hestia . That night , if not for Alaric , others would have raped Hestia . Now , Lilia would find no such protection . Alaric watched coldly as men entered the basement . No ! Stay away! Get out ! Lilia screamed , flailing weakly as they tore at her clothes . The torture lasted days . When they finally left , Lilia lay broken on the floor , eyes vacant , stripped of all dignity . Within a month , she was emaciated , her former beauty destroyed . She didnt even notice when Alaric entered her cell . Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...