Chapter 3 The wait will be worth it.

Melisa's POV

I managed to look up, holding my cheeks from the hot slap I just received like a gift from him. The sting spread across my skin like wildfire, and for a second, all I could hear was the ringing in my ear and the faint murmurs of people around. My chest tightened, but I forced myself to keep my voice steady.

"The company which was 'signing venue' is not very close to here. But I care to know, why the urgent call?" I asked, trying to keep my tone polite, even though my voice trembled slightly. Maybe I just wanted to confirm if the slap was really necessary, but deep down, I already knew the answer. It was never about reason with Tony-it was about control.

He didn't even blink or flinch. His expression stayed cold, like he hadn't just raised his hand against me in front of people. "You know, nothing much." He paused, then clapped his palms together dramatically, pretending like he'd just remembered something. "Oh! Anyway, you're right on time, right? My shoes are dirty."

He leaned back lazily on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, and then, as if it was the most normal thing in the world, he placed his right shoe on a seat in front of him. "So, I called you over to... lick them clean."

For a moment, I thought maybe I misheard him. Maybe it was the ringing in my head or even the chaos of disbelief clouding my brain. But when I looked around and saw the way the people in the room shifted uneasily, trying not to make eye contact, I realized he meant every word.

My lips parted, but nothing came out. That wasn't just an insult-it was an open humiliation and myy heart sank. Must he belittle and degrade me every single time, just to prove a point?

He snapped his fingers sharply. "Sophia!"

My eyes followed the sound of his voice. The said 'Sophia' stood beside him, dressed like she belonged in his world of filth-short dress, bright red lips, and an air of arrogance that made my stomach turn. She smirked when he called her name and immediately leaned forward to light his cigarette, having her manicured fingers brushing his chin.

Of course, she was here. The same last who'd sent me those smug glances at every company event, the one who acted like she had already replaced me in every way that mattered.

Tony inhaled deeply and exhaled right in my direction and then the smoke hit my face. "C'mon! What are you waiting for? Start licking immediately." He snapped.

His voice cut through my frozen thoughts like a blade. My heart pounded so hard I thought the whole room could hear it. Now, it seemed like I could feel everyone's gaze on me, waiting, watching. That's what he wanted-to make me small. To make me a show out of all of these.

He grinned, his eyes glinting with mockery. "Everyone is waiting to see how you do it. Don't keep us waiting so long."

My throat burned. "Tony, are you serious now?" I asked softly, my tone cautious but firm enough to show disbelief. "I left an important signing for this?"

I hadn't even finished before his eyes darkened. He moved towards me with the kind of rage that made people flinch away from his path. I could already feel it coming before his hand even touched me.

In one swift motion, he grabbed me by the arm and yanked me closer, his breath hot against my ear. "More important than me?" His voice was venom. "Who the hell do you think you are? Do you think Morgan Group needs you?"

His grip tightened, and I tried to steady my breathing, but he pushed me so hard that I stumbled backward. The sound of breaking glass filled the air as I crashed into a table. Dozens of wine glasses shattered around me, the liquid spilling down my clothes and seeping into my hair. My hands stung with cuts, but I didn't even feel them-not over the humiliation.

Gasps echoed around and I could feel their eyes piercing through me. Some turned away while others whispered behind their hands. But no one moved to help me.

Tony took a drag of his cigarette, leaned forward, and blew the smoke right in my face. "Look at you," he sneered.

I stayed there on the floor, frozen. I heard someone whisper, "Isn't Melissa a tech titan now?" Another voice followed, hushed but curious. "Isn't she his wife?"

And then another, sharper one said, "Why is he so cruel to her? Isn't he afraid she'll leave?"

I almost laughed bitterly. If only they knew.

Tony turned to face them, smirking like their words amused him. "A tech titan? Don't make me laugh." He gestured toward me like I was nothing more than a cheap trick. "That's way too out of her league. She's just a product of Morgan Group's money. Throw enough cash, and anyone could do what she does. Even better."

His words stabbed deeper than any slap could. I wanted to scream at him, to remind him how many nights I stayed awake fixing his mess, how many projects I saved when he was too busy entertaining girls like Sophia. But I said nothing.

He crouched slightly, his shadow looming over me. "You? To leave me?" he said, mocking the murmurs he'd heard. "You heard them, right? That you would leave me? I could bet my life you wouldn't ever dream of that."

I met his gaze this time. My lips trembled, but I didn't look away. Inside, though, my thoughts were on fire. You don't even value your life, Tony to have bet with your life that I can't leave you. But soon enough, you'll know what it feels like to lose everything you think you own.

But of course, I didn't dare say it out. At least, not yet.

He grinned again, a cruel, knowing smile. "You can't leave Morgan Group, and you know that." He grabbed my chin and lifted it roughly, forcing me to look at him. The pressure hurt, but not as much as his words. "You're addicted to the life I've given you. You don't even have the guts to walk away from me."

He squeezed harder before finally letting go. My face burned, but my pride hurt more.

When he turned away, I wiped the corner of my lip where his hand had pressed too hard and at the same time, my mind screamed. Everything tied to him disgusts me. The company, the name, this fake life. I don't care anymore.

But I stayed silent. You know, I had to. Three more days. Just three more days.

"All right now!" Tony's voice boomed again, sharp and taunting. "Back to what we were saying before you tried to prove stubborn. I think I've placed you where you belong."

He went and rested his leg back on the seat, tapping his shoe lightly against it. "Come on," he said again, voice dripping with mockery. "Crawl over here and lick my shoes."

The whole room went silent as I stared at him, my chest rising and falling and anger simmering around everything that has to do with my existence. Should I finally break it all out now-every truth, every secret, every plan I've kept hidden-or should I hold on for a few more days and let time do my revenge for me?

But on second thought, I decided, 'The wait will be worth it.'

Because when the countdown finally ends, Tony Morgan will learn that the woman he thought he owned was never his to begin with.