Xanthe's breath hitched . Her eyes locked on Barrington , wide and stunned . She could not wrap her head around the fact that those words had actually come out of his mouth . But there was no trace of guilt on his face . Instead , the man she once shared a bed with now looked at her like an authority figure giving her a punishment . " You've really disappointed me , Xanthe . " His gaze flicked toward Vionnet , who nestled closer to him . " You drugged her . Whatever happened after that , it's your fault ." As Vionnet's fingers traced slow circles across his chest , her mocking gaze slid to Xanthe . Xanthe's knees trembled beneath her . She gripped the edge of the table , forcing herself upright Her voice came out sarcastic when she spoke . " You seriously think I drugged her just so you " -she pointed at him with a shaky hand -" could be the cure ? " She took a breath , eyes narrowing . " There are other ways . Any number of ways to detoxify her But this- " " Barry ," Vionnet crooned suddenly , her voice soft and broken . Her nails brushed over the bruised skin on her arm , drawing a shallow line . " Just go . Don't mind me . Let me ... deal with it on my own . " She turned her head ever so slightly , just enough to angle her words toward Xanthe . " And don ' blame her . I'm sure she didn't mean to drug me . She just loves you so much ... " Something snapped in Xanthe . Even though she had already decided to let Barrington go , she couldn't allow Vionnet to humiliate her like this in her own home . " My gosh , Vionnet , do you even have any shame ? You're in my place , clinging to my husband , and now you dare blame me ? What happened to the manners you were supposed to have growing up ? Your tycoon lover must've eaten them , huh ? " Barrington's hand moved . The moment the words left her mouth , he stood up and slapped her hard across the face . " Enough , Xanthe . Vionnet hasn't said a single bad word about you , and yet you keep slandering her ! You don't deserve anyone's pity ! " He grabbed her wrist . She gasped , stumbling as he dragged her to the doorway . " You like drugging people so much , huh ? Then stand here and listen to what happens next ! " He yanked the tie from his neck . Cold metal met her back as he bound her wrists to the doorknob , the knot biting into her skin . Just before shutting the door , he threw one last line at her. " You brought this on yourself . Don't blame me or Vionnet ! " Overnight , the door slammed shut , and she was forced to hear the sound from the other side . A low groan . Then a higher moan . The rhythm was unmistakable . Unrelenting . She squeezed her eyes shut . Tears streamed silently at first . But as the hours dragged on , the sobs stopped and her eyes dried . All that remained was a quiet burn in her chest , bitter and corrosive . Every gasp , every cry from inside became a nail in the coffin of what she'd once called love . ' This Chapter 4 12:38 pm A is what happens when you love the wrong guy , she told herself over and over . Suddenly , pain struck deep in her abdomen . Her knees gave out . She slid down until her weight . hung from her bound wrists , cold sweat pouring down her back . Her mouth opened , but her voice barely rose above a whisper . Compared to the pleasure - filled sounds coming from the room , her faint cries were completely drowned out . The sounds from inside stretched on , one hour bleeding into the next . When the door opened , it was already dawn . Barrington stood there , adjusting his sleeve . " Have you learned your lesson ? " It was the first thing out of his mouth . When he didn't get a response , he looked down - Xanthe was at his feet , unmoving . He crouched . His hand touched her cheek - burning . A flicker of panic flashed in his eyes . He scooped her up and turned toward the car - but before he could take a step , a voice called lazily from the bedroom . " Barry , you were a bit too rough last night . I think something's swollen . It's not something I car exactly ask someone else to help with , you know ? " Hearing no response , she added , " Xanthe used to get fevers all the time back in college . Just sent her to the hospital for some meds . The maid can take care of her . " She sounded almost bored . " And you know my position . If the maid gossips about this , people will talk . My reputation would be ruined . " Xanthe's lashes fluttered . She couldn't move or speak - but she saw it . She saw Barrington hesitate . She saw him turn . She felt her body lowered into unfamiliar arms ... before there was nothing to see but darkness . When she woke up again , the world was white . Sheets . Lights . And there was a beeping machine at her side . " Ma'am , " the doctor said , " you're about three months pregnant . But the baby isn't stable . You should- " " Doctor , " Xanthe cut him off , " I don't want the baby . Schedule the abortion . " The doctor was momentarily stunned , thinking perhaps she was worried about the baby's health . " Ma'am , it's just an unstable pregnancy . There's no medical need to terminate- " But the next words shut him up instantly . " My husband cheated on me . We're already divorced . That's enough reason for an abortion . Please schedule it . Today . Thank you . " The doctor sighed . Any advice he'd wanted to give died in his throat . " Alright . I'll arrange it as soon as possible . " Once he left , Xanthe picked up her phone and sent a message to Trevor . [ A month's too long . Three days . Come get me in three days . ]