Chapter 4

The next day, Ethan called again.

"I'm at the penthouse. Come get your things. Specifically, that vintage Cartier watch your father gave you. The one I borrowed. It's here."

His tone was a challenge. The penthouse they had once shared, now tainted.

When Sarah arrived, Tiffany Hayes was there, lounging on the sofa as if she owned the place. She offered Sarah a sickeningly sweet smile.

"Sarah, so good to see you. Ethan's just in the study."

Ethan emerged, scowling. "Took you long enough."

Sarah ignored Tiffany. "I'm here for my father's watch, Ethan."

"Impatient, are we?" He smirked. "You could at least say hello to Tiffany. She's the mother of my son, show some respect."

"Respect?" Sarah's voice was ice. "For the woman who slept with my fiancé and is now living in my home? I don't think so."

Ethan's face darkened. He strode to a side table, picked up the Cartier watch – her father's cherished gift – and held it up.

"This is what happens when you're disrespectful, Sarah."

He smashed the watch on the marble floor. The crystal shattered, the gold casing dented.

Sarah gasped, a cry torn from her throat.

Before she could react, Ethan grabbed her arm.

"You need to think about your attitude."

He shoved her into a small guest room, the one usually reserved for staff, and locked the door.

"A little time-out should help you see sense."

She banged on the door, screaming his name, but he didn't answer. Hours passed. The room was stuffy, humiliating.

When the lock finally clicked, she stumbled out, disoriented.

The penthouse was a wreck. Clothes strewn everywhere, empty champagne bottles, remnants of take-out food. It was clear Ethan and Tiffany had been celebrating.

Then she noticed her closet door ajar. Several of her expensive designer bags, gifts from her father over the years, were gone.

Tiffany emerged from the master bedroom, looking smug.

"Oh, Sarah, you're out." As Sarah walked past, Tiffany suddenly stumbled, letting out a cry. "Oof! You pushed me!"

Ethan rushed out. "What the hell, Sarah?"

"I didn't touch her!"

"She's pregnant, you psycho!" Tiffany sobbed, clutching her stomach. (A lie, she'd already given birth, but Ethan was too enraged to care about details).

Without a word, Ethan grabbed Sarah and shoved her hard against the wall. Her head hit the plaster with a sickening thud.

Pain exploded behind her eyes.