Chapter 3 The Choice

"Luna, baby, Elena is already carrying my child..." Liam said smoothly, wearing a look of concern that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll send someone with the money to get you out. Just hold on."

With that, he strode over and untied the ropes binding Elena.

Then, as if angry, he slapped her across the face. "What the hell were you thinking running off like that? Dogs like you belong in cages. Do I have to leash you every damn day?"

Elena threw herself into his arms and lowered her head to lick the back of his hand. "Master, you always love me best," she purred.

Then, when no one was looking, she shot Luna a smug, mocking look.

Luna watched them leave and let out a hollow laugh.

Liam hadn't chosen her, not today, not ever.

One of the kidnappers licked his lips and stepped toward Luna, a cruel grin spreading across his face.

So this was the woman the Don was married to? What a prize. He hadn't expected today to turn out so well.

Ignoring her desperate struggles, they pinned her down and began tearing at her clothes.

Luna's eyes filled with tears, her voice hoarse from crying.

Just then, a group of Liam's men burst into the warehouse. The sharp sound of a gunshot echoed through the room.

The man on top of her froze, eyes wide in shock. Blood bloomed across his chest.

Luna shoved him off in panic. A second later, one of the guards untied her.

"Ma'am," one of them said, "Mr. Moretti had us stationed nearby the whole time. He already investigated these thugs-they're nobodies. Not enemies against his family, just amateurs. He knew they wouldn't dare kill you."

Luna sat motionless, dazed, staring blankly as they explained.

But so what? Even if she hadn't died today, she'd nearly been violated.

And Liam had known. He'd known, and still chosen Elena.

To him, she meant nothing.

Meanwhile, Elena had been loaded into a car. By the time she snapped back to reality, they were already pulling up to Liam's estate.

Luna was also taken home. Seeing how the guards looked relieved to have completed their task, she didn't make things harder for them.

After all, Liam was known for his ruthlessness. If anyone failed him, they'd be feeding the sharks before sunrise.

Taking a deep breath, Luna forced herself to push the bedroom door open. Inside, she froze.

Elena was lying in bed, half-covered by the sheets. Liam was kneeling beside her, sleeves rolled up, carefully wiping her body down with a towel.

His movements were slow, meticulous-gentle in a way one might handle fine porcelain.

Luna's body went rigid. She wanted to turn and walk away, but her legs wouldn't move. So she just stood there, silently watching the man she loved take care of someone else with such tenderness.

Then Liam looked up, and their eyes met.

"What are you doing there?" His brow furrowed. His voice was low and cold, laced with irritation.

Luna turned her head, trying to remain calm. "Your men brought me back."

Only then did Liam seem to remember. He stepped over and wrapped her in his arms, examining her arm. "Baby, are you hurt?"

The false concern in his voice made Luna want to vomit.

She shook her head and quietly pulled her arm out of his grasp. "I'm fine."

Her eyes flicked to the bed, where Elena still lay.

Liam noticed and immediately tried to explain. "Baby, Elena's pregnant. Once she gives birth, I'll send her away. But right now... she's expecting. I don't have a choice."

Luna let out a soft, bitter laugh. Then she raised her eyes and looked at him.

That handsome face was a mask-no longer the man who had once loved her so deeply.

"Fine," she said coldly. "Then we'll do it your way."