Xander mmed on the ground as Samantha’s words continued to register in his mind.


    Samantha was outside, her face wiped clean because she didn’t want Michelle to see her which would only result in mockery. She didn’t have the strength to deal with thetter, so she avoided the living room and went towards the balcony instead.


    Only the guards were around, keeping the ce safe and secure in case any of the girls tried to escape.


    When she reached outside, she finally inhaled the fresh air. Never did she think there woulde a day she would have such a heated argument with Xander like that.


    She closed her eyes, anger surging through her body.


    "He thinks I’m some kind of toy he can control however he wants to," she said through gritted teeth, closing her mouth when she noticed that her tears were already starting to stream down her eyes. "Fuck him!!" She sobbed.


    Although Samantha had promised herself to never love Xander again, his actions still hurt her deeply.


    **


    Tracie was standing outside Fiona’s hospital room, gently tapping on her jacket. She couldn’t go inside because Fiona’s younger sister was in there with her.


    However, she was patiently waiting for someone.


    When she finally saw Marcus trodding, searching for the room number, she sighed.


    Fiona had insisted she meet with Marcus and try to talk things out with him if he was willing to listen. Tracie had wanted to stop her but reminded herself she wasn’t supposed to meddle. None of what was happening was none of her business after all.


    When Marcus saw the number, his stride increased. He didn’t seem happy at all but neither was Tracie.


    He red at her, wondering who she could be and why she was there.


    Tracie was wearing her usual dark jeans and ck top with a ck leather jacket. Her face was in with no makeup. Since she was always appearing on social media with makeup, it would be difficult for him to recognize her.


    Either way, Marcus ignored her and opened the doors.


    Tracie rolled her eyeballs back as she followed along.


    "What the hell are you doing in the hospital?" Marcus questioned, rage evident in his tone.


    Fiona’s younger sister, Madeline, flinched when she heard his voice. When she recovered, she scowled at him.


    "Is this how you speak to your wife when she’s in the hospital? Are you blind? Can’t you see she’s not well?!" she yelled, her voice sharp with anger and disbelief.


    The room fell silent for a brief moment, the weight of her words settling in. Tracie watched her with growing admiration, a smirk tugging at her lips.


    However, she frowned slightly when she heard <i>she was not well.</i>


    ’Didn’t Fiona tell her sister that Marcus beat her up?’ She wondered.


    "I never permitted her to go to the hospital! I strictly ordered her to stay in the house!"


    Madeline stared at Marcus in shock, unable to believe the man standing before her was her sister’s husband.


    Then her gazended on Fiona.


    "I called you in here so we could talk," she said gently.


    "The only thing I want to hear from your mouth is that you’re willing to listen to me and do whatever I tell you," he dered, his voice firm and unyielding. "You’re getting discharged today anding home with me this instant."


    Without hesitation, he strode toward her, ready to rip out every life support wire.


    Before he could take three steps toward Fiona, a sharp kicknded between his legs. Pain exploded through his body, and in an instant, he copsed to the ground, unable to withstand the agony.


    He looked at thedy d in ck in shock.


    "Who do you think you are? Do you know who I am—"


    "And do you know who I am?" Tracie interrupted, her toneced with amusement. She crossed her arms, tilting her head as she eyed him. "You know, for an empty barrel, you sure make a lot of noise. My ears are already hurting from all your nonsense. Can you be silent for just a second?"