Chapter 6

Under Lucas’s careful care, my emotions gradually stabilized. It felt like going back to the beginning—he was painting in the studio, and I quietly read a book beside him. It was a peaceful, calm time. Lucas cooked me different meals every day and patiently stayed by my side. I felt like I was slowly pulling myself together. But Ethan found a way to show up. Ethan looked at me with mockery in his eyes. "Found a new boyfriend so quickly? After all the trouble I've gone through to clean up your mess these past few days?" I panicked and tried to call Lucas, but he slapped my phone out of my hand. "Summer, are you too scared to face me now?" Ethan glared at me, his eyes burning with fury, as though I had betrayed him. His gaze never left me. "Summer, our wedding is next week. I've taken care of everything that happened before. Now come back with me." His high-handed attitude made me feel like a worthless, unworthy plaything—like I should just o