The Cherished Wife

Charles, feeling Janet's arms around his waist, squinted slightly. A fierce glint appeared in his eyes. "Let go!" His voice was icy, echoing loudly in the open space.

Janet was taken aback for a second but quickly shook her head, desperate. "Don't go, Charles. Please?" She clung to him even tighter. "You care about me, don't you? I'm begging you, don't leave. I know you're mad at Aunt, but don't let that affect us. I haven't done anything wrong!" "This is the last time I'm saying this. Let go!" Charles's brows were furrowed in frustration, but Janet's grip remained firm.

Charles's frown deepened. "Three strikes, Janet." He laid his hand on hers, and she beamed, thinking he was finally giving in. However, he squeezed it hard, shattering her moment of hope. Charles's grip was so tight it felt like he could snap her bones. There was not a shred of gentleness in his touch.

Janet's scream pierced the air as her face drained of color. "Charles, it hurts! Let go, please! It's so painful!"

on, defiant. "No! I won't let go even if you break

with a dark intensity, and he tightened his hold, twisting her hand with such force that Janet was flung

and elbows were scraped and bleeding. Tears streamed down her face as she

few paces away, his gaze icy and disdainful as he looked down at

his hands with a tissue. His face was etched

went ghostly white. Any self-delusion she had was shattered. She had believed that despite his disdain, Charles would at least spare a thought for the Baker family's dignity However, it was

her back against the cold ground. Her fists were tight, and blood trickled from her knuckles, a stark