Chapter 4

Dawn arrived with merciless precision. Eugene’s assistant escorted me to what should have been the happiest day of my life. As Claire promised, I arrived at the grand cathedral in my hospital gown—stark white cotton against the opulence of marble and mahogany. Her dress brushed my ankles like a serpent's scales as she adjusted my veil.

Her laughter echoed through the bridal suite. “Happy wedding day, dear Victoria,” she whispered. “Did you really think a veil would transform you into a proper bride? It's just to hide those useless eyes of yours. We can't have you embarrassing everyone, can we?”

My lack of response only fueled Claire's frustration. Before she could act, Eugene's voice cut through the tension, sharp as ice. “Where’s your wedding gown, Victoria? Is this pathetic display your attempt at revenge? Meeting me at the altar dressed like a pauper?”

The assistant guided me toward the changing room. As I reached for my gown's ties, heavy footsteps approached. “Blind or not, you’re quite the beauty,” a male voice growled, menacingly. “Be a good girl now, sweetheart. I’ll make it worth your while.”

Rough hands seized my shoulders. I fought back, but he was immovable. Desperate, I bit him until I tasted blood. “You little bitch!” he roared, hurling me to the floor. His breath was hot on my neck. “Time to learn your place.”

As he tore at my gown, Claire’s shrill voice pierced the air from the doorway. “Victoria! How could you?” Her voice dripped with theatrical outrage. “On your wedding day to Eugene… how dare you!”

The man paused, panting theatrically. “The blind whore couldn’t help herself.” The cathedral erupted in a cacophony of condemnation, voices like poisoned darts. “Eugene Thorne’s fiancée – blind?” “No wonder she lost her sight,” another sneered. “Too busy spreading her legs to see what was right in front of her!” “Whore!” The word cut through the air like a lash.

I clutched desperately at the shreds of my hospital gown, the thin cotton offering little protection. Curling into a ball, I pressed my face against my knees as tremors wracked my body. Suddenly, silence fell. Heavy footsteps approached, each step a death knell.

“Victoria,” Eugene’s voice sliced through the quiet, “You dare betray me?” His fingers tightened around my throat, a grip that spoke of barely controlled rage. The scent of his cologne, once comforting, now mingled with the acrid stench of his fury.

“I… didn’t…” I gasped, the words forced past his constricting grip. As dark spots danced before my eyes, he released my throat only to seize my jaw.

“Seven years together,” he snarled, his breath hot on my face. “Seven years, and you know nothing destroys me like betrayal. You must have lost your mind to throw yourself at such filth.”

“Guards! Take her to Ravencrest Psychiatric Hospital!”

Desperation surged through me. I twisted free, feeling skin tear under their grasp. I ran blindly, each step a gamble. “Stop her!” Eugene’s roar echoed, followed by pursuing footsteps. My heart pounded, each beat a prayer. The darkness was absolute, but stopping meant destruction. I ran on, praying I wouldn't crash into a wall.

Then, I collided with a solid chest. Strong arms enveloped me, and a familiar voice, rich with concern and barely controlled fury, spoke above: “Victoria!”