Chapter 6
Jessie clutched her face in disbelief. The delicate innocence she always wore twisted into something wild and vicious.
“You dare hit me?
“Isabella! You bitch!
You come from a prestigious family, so what? As long as James doesn’t love you, even if you’ve racked up medals and honors, you’ll never be more than a glorified mistress!”
Isabella let out a cold laugh, trembling with fury. “Funny. Because I’m the one James gave a once–in–a–century wedding to. All of Washington knows I’m his wife.”
Her voice turned sharp, laced with ice as her gaze swept over the silent, trembling servants.
“Jessie has repeatedly provoked me. According to the Keane family rules, she should be flogged 30 times!
“But since she’s an outsider…” She paused, eyes narrowing at Jessie. “Add ten more.”
The bodyguards moved instantly, grabbing hold of Jessie.
She thrashed violently, screaming, “Are you all out of your minds? Do you even know who I am?
“If anything happens to me today, and James comes back–do you really think you’ll live to see another day?
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“Think long and hard about who means more to James!”
Her words worked.
The bodyguards faltered, glancing between Isabella and Jessie.
Then, one by one, they slowly released Jessie and stepped back.
Isabella staggered slightly, the last of her strength draining from her limbs. Her heart plunged into icy depths.
So this was the truth. Everyone in the Keane’s residence knew Jessie was the one James cherished most.
She had been the only fool, clinging to a lie for three whole years.
Jessie’s laughter rang out, triumphant and cruel. “You’re just a decoration to him. I’m the one who truly matters in James‘ heart.”
At that moment, something in Isabella broke. Her body slumped, her spirit
crushed.
“Hold her down! Bring me the whip!”
At Jessie’s command, the bodyguards didn’t hesitate this time–they pinned Isabella in place.
Jessie lifted the whip high and brought it down with all her strength.
Crack!
The lash tore through the air and ripped into Isabella’s back.
A blinding pain exploded through her body. Her dress was shredded. Skin split. Blood oozed.
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She was trapped, held tight, unable to fight back. Blow after blow landed on her, her entire body shuddering from the agony, cold sweat soaking her thin clothes.
Then, from somewhere beyond the hall, the faint sound of a servant’s voice echoed. “Welcome back, Mr. Keane!”
One of the housemaids rushed to Jessie’s side, flustered. “Madam Catley, that was the 98th lash… Mr. Keane’s back. Maybe you should stop.”
But Jessie only laughed, wild and unrepentant. “So what?
“Even if I beat Isabella to death right here, James wouldn’t dare blame me.”
As she spoke, she raised her hand for the final strike, putting every ounce of strength into it. Crack!
Isabella’s body seized up. Blood gushed from her lips. And then, everything went black.
Just before she completely lost consciousness, James’s voice exploded in her ears, seething with rage.
“Who the hell had the nerve to lay a hand on my woman?”
When Isabella came to, the pain was unbearable–sharp, blinding, all- consuming
She forced her eyes open. Through the haze, she saw James sitting at her bedside. His gaze swept over the lashes across her back, and though his frown barely moved, she saw it–a flicker of discomfort.
Then he looked away as if he couldn’t bear the sight.
“I’ve already heard what happened from the staff,” he said, voice flat,
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emotionless. “Jessie was out of line, so a punishment was warranted.”
Isabella’s lips trembled as she tried to smile. “And how do you plan to punish her for what she’s done?”
James looked back at her pale, wounded face. “She hurt her palms while whipping you. They’re covered in welts. That’s punishment enough.”
Isabella felt like she’d been dropped into an icy abyss.
So those scratches on Jessie’s hands–that was her so–called punishment after Isabella had taken 99 lashes?
James hesitated, then added, “The tattooing… It was excessive, I’ll admit. But she’s my elder. I can’t let this affect our family dynamic.
“I’ll take the punishment in her place,” he said calmly.
Before she could react, he picked up a container of plant–based dye and stuffed it into her hand.
“You can draw on me. Anywhere you want.”
Isabella stared down at the dye, then looked up at James as he began loosening his tie. Something inside her shattered.
Her hands began to tremble uncontrollably. Her whole body shook with fury. Tears streamed down her cheeks, hot and relentless, soaking into the sheets.
James continued like nothing had happened. “I’ve already disciplined the staff. They won’t defy you again.”
Without warning, Isabella threw the dye to the ground with all the strength she had left.
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It splattered everywhere.
Her eyes were bloodshot as she glared at him.
“I don’t want the authority over the household anymore!” she choked out, “And I don’t care about being your wife, either!”
Every word was a dagger, soaked in heartbreak.
James’s expression turned cold.
“Ive spoiled you too much,” he said icily. “Since you’re so determined to
act out, then fine. Stay in your room and reflect on your behavior.”
With that, he turned and walked out, not looking back.
Bang!
The door slammed shut, and silence took over the room,
Isabella collapsed completely, her strength drained.
Her wounds tore open again, blood seeping through the bandages and soaking into the sheets.
Tears mixed with blood, tracing down her skin and staining the bed in painful crimson.
