Chapter 19

Eleanor was dizzy and couldn't quite make out what Dominick was saying. She thought he was mocking her for being stupid and retorted immediately, "I'm not a fool! You're the fool! Who else but you and Gregory would believe anything Alexis says?"

Dominick gave her a cold glare, clearly done with her, and started to turn away. But Eleanor stepped in front of him and snapped, "Hey, when did I say you could leave?"

Dominick paused. In a fit of anger, he let out a bitter laugh and said, "Eleanor, I don't expect you to have such courage after a few drinks."

Back then, Eleanor would never have dared to talk to him like this. When she was still his woman, she never had the freedom to speak her mind.

"Can't I talk to you like this?" Eleanor huffed, her tone defiant. "You're my husband, you forgot?" It was more like a pretense—she was kept around and pampered.

Dominick blinked, momentarily thrown off by her words. For a second, something flickered in his eyes, but before Eleanor could notice, his brows knitted, as if recalling something deeply repulsive. Without warning, he shoved her away.

Eleanor stumbled and lost her balance. She thudded to the floor.

Dominick didn't even spare her a second glance but started walking toward the door. Eleanor, still woozy from the alcohol, wasn't about to let him leave. With sheer force and stubborn courage, she lunged at him, attempting to kiss him.

Dominick easily pushed her off. Eleanor's back hit the ground hard, the pain making her gasp for air.

Outside the room, her so-called husband was lurking by the door. He could clearly hear the sounds from inside, but he didn't dare enter.

Dominick sneered, his tone full of disdain. "Eleanor Reed, I've never seen anyone so cheap. You're trying to steal your sister's man. Unbelievable!"

"You're not Alexis's man," Eleanor snapped, her anger flaring. She sprang to her feet, her eyes blazing. She felt her face begin to numb. "Stop," she gasped, her voice strained. "It hurts, Dominick, please."

Without a word, Dominick shoved her face away. Eleanor crashed back to the ground, this time too dazed to get up. She lay there, motionless, almost lifeless.

Dominick turned to the door, his voice cold and sharp. "Tyler, get in here."

Tyler Murphy, the groom, immediately rushed into the room. His face showed little emotion as he ordered, "Check if she's dead." Dominick's face was a mask of concern and fear. He didn't want her to suffer, to pay for what she did. This was the only way he could contain his anger. Anyone who dared betray him would never have a happy ending.

"Mr. Vanderbilt, you—" Tyler froze, visibly shaken. He crouched beside Eleanor, his face a mixture of apprehension and fear. He didn't want to be the one to announce that the bride might be dead on her wedding day.

Thankfully, Eleanor was still breathing. Tyler sighed in relief and quickly reported, "She's alive. Don't worry, she's just passed out from the alcohol."

"Don't worry," Dominick scoffed, his face like stone. The chilling expression made Tyler's spine tingle with unease.

"Take care of her," Dominick's voice was still cold and low, his words lingering in the air. After a long pause, he added, "I don't want to see her dead." His eyes darkened with rage.

Tyler immediately lowered his head and spoke in an almost submissive tone. "Understood, sir. I'll make sure to follow your instructions."

Dominick gave a curt nod and turned, his footsteps heavy as he walked out of the room. Tyler stood there and watched Dominick leave. He then glanced at Eleanor with a mixture of resentment and distaste.

If it weren't for Dominick's orders, he wouldn't be stuck in this mess. The rumors about Eleanor and Dominick—the times they'd had—sickened Tyler. To him, she wasn't a wife—she was just a piece of trash.

Chapter 19 (Continued)

He shook his head and complained mentally, She really makes me sick. I feel like I married a whore. But then the thought of the rewards Dominick promised him calmed his nerves. Forget it. I married this woman for the perks. What does her past matter? I've got to think about how much I can gain from this with Dominick. Tyler mused, a sly, greedy glint flickering in his eyes.

Hours later, Eleanor slowly stirred awake, her body aching all over. It felt like she had been run over by a truck. Her head was pounding, her stomach was a raging inferno, and she was beyond hungry.

She sat up, clutching her stomach, her mind foggy. As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, the events from earlier came flooding back. She married a stranger and was forced to drink by Alexis.

Her wedding day was a disaster, a humiliating, soul-crushing nightmare. She couldn't think of a worse way to spend her first day as a bride. Eleanor let out a bitter laugh and then struggled to get out of bed. She hadn't eaten in days, so her body felt weak and drained. But the gnawing hunger pushed her forward. She gritted her teeth, ignoring her surroundings as best as she could, and stumbled out in search of food.

She stepped into the living room, and there he was—her husband, Tyler, sitting casually on the couch. His presence startled her. Her body tensed as she asked in shock, "What are you doing here?"

"Hi, Mrs. Murphy," Tyler greeted her with a grin. His excessive politeness made Eleanor's skin crawl.

Eleanor narrowed her eyes. He wasn't ugly, but something about his smile seemed sleazy, and it put her on edge. Eleanor stared at him and asked, "What do you want?"

"I don't want anything," Tyler said, still maintaining that unsettling smile. "We're already a couple. I know what you're thinking, but you'd better just accept it. Dominick's orders are clear."

Eleanor's gaze dropped to her stomach, trying to soothe the pain. She stayed silent for a moment, then, with difficulty, she said, "I didn't lose my memory. You're in this with Dominick, aren't you?"

Tyler smiled. "I was hired by him, so yeah, we're on the same side. Now, Eleanor, you'd better get ready and make me something to eat."

Eleanor froze, staring at him in disbelief. "Excuse me? You want me to cook for you?"

She couldn't believe her ears. Back when she was with Dominick, she never cooked. Even after being tossed aside and arrested, she still never cooked. The idea of making food for anyone, especially this man, felt completely absurd to her.