Back then, when Kieran had his way with her without restraint, she had thought it was love.

Later, Alaricka finally understood that the diamond ring on Roschelle’s left ring finger was love, the grand wedding Kieran gave Roschelle was love, and the affection and exceptions Kieran made for Roschelle, known to all, were love.

Kieran turned a deaf ear to her words and even bit her hard on the neck.

Alaricka widened her eyes in anger. “Get off me.”

Kieran slowly raised his head from her neck. His dark eyes were deep and impenetrable, and his thin lips pressed into a tight line. He returned to his aloof self.

“What? You slept around with the men, but you reject me?”

Alaricka took a deep breath, glaring at him. “So what if I did? You’re going to get back together with Roschelle. Why do you come to me?”

“Haven’t I made myself clear? I have nothing to do with you…”

Kieran abruptly stood up and looked down at her with disdain, pinching her cheeks to silence her.

Alaricka’s skin was fair and delicate, not built for rough handling. The pinch left red marks on her skin, and tears welled up in her round eyes. Her lips, plump and rosy, brought her a touch of fragile beauty.

Her collars gaped open, revealing her slender shoulders. The bruises on her pale skin stood out with an unsettling allure.

Chapter 26

Kieran gazed at the bruises with unreadable eyes and said lightly, “You’re unrepentant.”

Alaricka shook his hand away. When she was about to speak, Kieran’s phone rang.

It was Roschelle. Her voice was soft and tender. “Kier, where are you? My car broke down. Can you pick me up?”

Kieran’s voice softened, the harshness gone. He said with a faint smile, “I’m not home. Send me your location. I’ll have someone pick you up.”

“No, I want you to come. No one else, okay?”

Kieran agreed quickly. “Alright. I’ll come get you.”

“I’ll wait for you.”

Kieran hung up and straightened his collar, standing by the bed and saying firmly, “I’ll have someone take you to school.”

Alaricka sat up and moved to the other side of the bed, clutching a pillow defensively. “No need. I’ll go myself.”

Kieran glanced at her. “Suit yourself.”

Following that, he strode out as if worried Roschelle might be waiting.

Alaricka knew the Argent family held immense power in the city, but she still wanted justice.

She took the day off school and headed straight to the police station to file a report.

But Clarissa was clever enough to choose an alley with no…