Chapter 4 The Banquet

That evening, Liam had someone deliver a gown to Luna.

She was told to wear it to attend a celebration banquet-a party thrown in honor of the Syndicate's takeover of Lanshire Avenue.

When Luna arrived, the room was drenched in neon light and revelry. Applause erupted. Celebrities, business elites, and high rollers surged toward her with flattery on their tongues.

"Mrs. Moretti, you look absolutely stunning!"

"Well, what did you expect? She's Liam's wife."

"By the way, Mrs. Moretti, where's your husband tonight?"

At that, Luna let out a faint, cold laugh.

She remembered how he used to attend these events with her-hand in hand, never letting another man steal even a glance. If she so much as shivered, he'd wrap her in his coat without hesitation.

But that was then...

Suddenly, a limited-edition sports car pulled up outside, its sleek lines catching everyone's attention.

Liam stepped out, long legs and custom suit impeccable as ever.

He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door-for another woman.

Elena stepped out, dressed to kill, clinging to Liam's arm with a sugary smile that fooled no one.

For a second, silence fell. Then, one by one, eyes turned to Luna-some with pity, most with amusement.

But Luna said nothing. No scenes. No drama. She simply picked up a glass of wine, and drank.

Meanwhile, Liam moved through the crowd, introducing Elena to his inner circle.

He wanted everyone to know-this was Elena. His woman. Untouchable.

From where she stood, Luna watched the display like one would watch something vile. Her chest tightened.

She remembered when Liam had first met Elena-a brash, calculating girl who deliberately showed up in scant clothing to tempt him.

He'd pinned her beneath him and pressed his hand around her neck like a warning.

"Even if I treat you like a dog, would you still stay?"

To which Elena had only smiled and licked his fingers. "Of course, Master."

Afterwards, he'd ordered her locked in the basement like an animal in a cage.

And to Luna, he'd said, "You're the only one I love. She's nothing but a body-just a release."

But now? He dressed her in a designer gown, paraded her in public, and turned Luna into the biggest joke in all of Ravenwood.

At one point, Luna watched as a popular actress dragged Elena into a poolside game.

A spray from a water gun soaked her gown, revealing just enough cleavage to draw gasps.

Liam caught a glimpse, and his fury erupted.

He stormed over, tore off his jacket, and draped it over Elena's shoulders with restrained rage in his eyes.

"Don't forget who you belong to, Elena," he growled. "You're mine. Every inch of you. No one else gets to look."

Then he lifted her into his arms and whispered something in her ear that made her face flush crimson.

Whispers broke out behind them once they disappeared from view.

"Damn... I wish I had someone love me like that."

"Love? Please. Did you hear him? He literally called her a dog."

"Isn't he married? Why would he bring her here?"

The murmurs pierced Luna's ears like thorns. She pushed through the crowd and headed to the restroom, splashing cold water on her face to calm down.

Staring at her reflection in the mirror, all she saw was a hollow shell.

Of course she couldn't compare to Elena.

And then, a low, guttural moan echoed from deep inside the restroom.