Chapter 1

On the cruise ship, my fiancé's beloved, Cathy Begum, botched an important performance, which angered the mafia group behind it.

The mafia's leader, Nate Adams, declared he would ruin Cathy's piano-playing hands.

My fiancé, Chris Dobson, seemed unconcerned, focusing on feeding me soup.

However, I fainted soon.

When I awoke, I found myself naked and bound to the bed in Nate's room.

Chris was tenderly holding Cathy's hands, his face filled with concern.

"Cathy makes her living with her hands. I can't just watch them get ruined. You just need to stay with Nate for one night, and once he's calmed down, I'll come get you."

I snorted with derision.

"What makes you think Nate will calm down? What if he gets even angrier?"

...

As I regained consciousness, I felt the cool touch of the silk sheets against my back.

My wrists and ankles were tied with soft cloth to the brass bedposts, forming a humiliating spread-eagle position.

The room was filled with the rich aroma of cigars and whiskey.

I opened my eyes to the sight of a luxurious crystal chandelier, its light so bright it stung my eyes.

Chris and the pitiful Cathy stood by the bedside.

He was tenderly running his thumb over Cathy's fingers, his eyes brimming with protective affection.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here," he reassured her.

Cathy sobbed, her eyes red, yet her gaze fell on me with venomous resentment.

"Chris, it's all my fault. If I hadn't played that wrong note, I wouldn't have angered Mr. Adams. Now I've dragged Juliet into this..."

She claimed to feel guilty, but not a hint of remorse showed on her face.

Chris turned his head, noticing I was awake, and showed no trace of guilt.

"Are you awake?" His tone was as calm as if nothing had happened.

"Juliet, I know you're feeling wronged. But Cathy's hands are precious. She's destined to become a world-class pianist. Mr. Adams has a bad temper. You should just bear with it. I'll make it up to you afterward."

I looked at his handsome yet repulsive face without uttering a word.

Just then, the suite door swung open.

A burly man in a black suit walked in.

A menacing scorpion tattoo stretched from his neck to behind his ear, and his eyes were fierce.

It was none other than the infamous mafia boss, Nate.

He was holding a glass of whiskey, and after glancing at me, he frowned deeply.

Cathy shrank back into Chris' arms in fear.

Chris immediately stepped forward, shielding Cathy and speaking to Nate with a deferential stance. "Mr. Adams, this is my fiancée, Juliet. She's clean and obedient. I hope you'll be satisfied and... Please spare Cathy."

He thought it was a fair trade. Sacrificing my dignity for Cathy's future.

How convenient.

Nate ignored him and walked straight to the bed.

His overwhelming presence made it hard for me to breathe.

The cigar smoke enveloped my face, triggering an urge to cough.