?Chapter 232:


    The mere thought made me shudder.


    I had firsthand knowledge of how vicious and sadistic he could be. Those days had been so agonizing that even the memory of them sent a cold chill racing down my spine. And now, out of nowhere, he had summoned me again—what kind of twisted torment had he concocted this time?


    I fretted the entire way, my thoughts spiraling with dread. Yet, despite my reluctance and growing unease, I eventually found myself at the doorstep of my nightmares—Bryan’s vi.


    As I pushed open the door, I was greeted by an unsettling darkness and an eerie silence, as though the ce was deserted.


    A wave of confusion washed over me, and I hesitantly asked the servant, “Is Prince Bryan not here?”


    The servant, his demeanor respectful, gave a slight bow and replied, “His Highness is inside. You’ll know once you go in.”


    He then fully opened the door and gestured for me to enter.


    The darkness was so thick I could barely see a thing. I instinctively shivered. Suddenly, a firm push from behind sent me stumbling into the vi, the servant closing the door behind me with a decisive “click,” sealing me in total darkness.


    I trembled slightly as I groped for the wall, trying to steady myself.


    There was no way out now; the only option was to cautiously proceed.


    Fearing I might trip, I moved carefully, softly calling out, “Your Highness? Your Highness? Are you there?”


    I called out several times, but there was no response. Odd. What game was Bryan ying? He had summoned me here, yet he was nowhere to be found.


    I frowned, suspicion gnawing at me. Was this some cruel trick?


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    But then, a flicker of relief washed over me. If he was toying with me, at least it meant I wouldn’t have to endure another night with him.


    I considered leaving since there was no sign of him, but then hesitated. If I left abruptly, Bryan might take advantage of it to make my life even more difficult.


    With that thought, I clenched my teeth and, relying on my memory, began to navigate my way upstairs in the dark.


    I decided to check the upper floor, and if there was still no sign of Bryan, I’d leave.


    As I ascended the staircase, the vast emptiness of the vi amplified each step I took, heightening my unease. I quickened my pace until I reached the second floor. Down the dark corridor, I noticed a faint light seeping from a room at the far end.


    Was someone inside?


    Holding my breath, I cautiously approached the room. To my dismay, it was the very room where Bryan had once imprisoned me.


    The sight made my heart race, but after a moment of hesitation, I pushed the door open.


    The instant the door creaked open, a strong hand gripped my wrist, and a familiar voice, tinged with anger, hissed in my ear.


    “Who is it? Didn’t I say that no one is allowed in here!”


    Startled, I turned, only to find myself staring into those familiar blue eyes.


    “Your Highness?”


    Bryan seemed to finally realize who I was, his gaze sharpening as it focused on me.


    His voice, slightly slurred, asked, “Why are you here?”


    Taken aback by his question, I replied, “Didn’t you ask—”


    That was when I caught a whiff of alcohol on his breath. Had he been drinking?


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