Chapter 231: Have Some Shame

Inside the room, Sasha sat on the bed, devastated. When Roland entered, he dismissed everyone else, then stood to the side, staring at her in a daze. His fist remained clenched, his anger simmering. No man could tolerate discovering his fiancée had endured such an ordeal.

"Sasha, we're about to get married. Is there anything you want to tell me?" Roland's voice was hoarse.

Sasha flinched but remained silent, her head lowered, feigning innocence. Roland felt a mix of pity and pain. No way, he thought. She’s playing dumb? Just say something! His frustration mounted.

Beside Isabella, Alexander saw her anger and patted her head to calm her. Downstairs, the eavesdropping Quirks were equally speechless. Was Sasha's silence intentional or unintentional?

Inside, Sasha’s silence continued. Though kind-hearted, Roland couldn’t let the matter rest. Closing his eyes, he said, "Sasha, I've protected you since high school. Why didn't you trust me? Why didn't you tell me about what that beast did? Why did you endure it? If you had, I would have helped."

Sasha’s hope shattered. Deeply hurt, she covered her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she sobbed, panicked and helpless.

Roland's heart ached. Usually, he would comfort her immediately, but this time, he clenched his teeth. "Sasha, we're about to get married, and you still didn't tell me. If he threatens you again, are you planning to cheat on me?"

Sasha’s face paled. Roland couldn't bear to see her, but he had to say it. He knew she was a victim, powerless and infuriatingly naive. Why didn't she ask for my help? he wondered.

"I wouldn't," Sasha sobbed, denying it. How could she betray him again?

But Roland pressed, "Weren't you planning to make me accept that bastard's child?"

Sasha's face drained of color. Her lips trembled, but she only cried. Her silence confirmed his suspicions. Roland felt utterly defeated. He could understand her predicament, but he wasn't a fool.

"This matter needs to be reported to the police," he said firmly. "That bastard must be jailed."

Sasha looked up. "No!"

Roland paused. "Don't worry. No matter what leverage he has, I'll handle it. I won't let you—"

"Please, no," Sasha pleaded, crawling off the bed and almost kneeling. "Let's pretend it never happened, or I can't live."

She’s playing the victim again, Alexander thought, his breathing shallow. Years of care wasted.

The Quirks, overhearing Isabella’s reaction, were equally shocked. How could someone be so cruel and yet appear so innocent and pitiful?

To Roland, Sasha seemed to have developed a conditioned reflex of avoidance. No matter what he promised, she never trusted him. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Fine, I won't call the police." As a police officer, he felt compelled to bring the perpetrator to justice, even if it meant using other means against his half-brother, Ethan. He wouldn't spare the bastard.

But the moment he agreed, Sasha froze, as Roland asked about her plans for the child. Sasha, having developed feelings for the child, instinctively protected her belly.

Tears filled Sasha’s eyes. "You hate me," she cried. "You don't want me or the child anymore, right?" Isabella would have intervened if Alexander hadn't held her back.

Have some shame, Isabella thought. Why should Roland accept this child?

Looking at Sasha, Roland struggled for breath. "Sasha, I don't hate you. You're a victim. I won't abandon you, but this child I can't accept it." He felt guilty, realizing maybe he didn't love Sasha as much as he thought. He couldn't accept raising the child of his fiancée and her abuser. He knew he could never love this child.