Ashley hurriedly slapped at Brian’s arm, her feet instinctively kicking at his calf. Fortunately, Brian didn’t intend to strangle her and quickly let go.

Ashley’s tears streamed uncontrollably as she gasped for breath.

Brian eyed her swollen, red lips and lowered his head to bite them fiercely.

The metallic taste of blood filled their mouths.

At some point, the hand gripping her neck shifted to encircle her waist, while the other moved to her thigh, lifting her to his waist.

In an instant, she was against the wall, looking down into his deep, dark eyes.

Ashley opened her mouth in shock, but Brian pressed a finger to her lips. “Don’t make a sound.”

Her pupils contracted, and she instinctively bit his finger.

Brian’s voice was deep and menacing. “You don’t want your mother to know what we’re doing, do you?”

Although he reminded her, his hand continued its mischief below.

Ashley trembled, releasing his finger only to bite her own, stifling any sound.

She couldn’t let her mother know!

Melissa waited outside for a long time, thinking her daughter was angry when she didn’t respond.

She sighed, her voice increasingly cautious:

“Ashley , it’s not that I don’t care about you or don’t support you going abroad. But your father... he still needs our care. He owes so much money. If you don’t help, how can we repay it?” Melissa choked up, “Ever since the surgery, my health has been deteriorating. With you around, I still have a family. If you leave, I...”

For an hour, Melissa cried and pleaded, but Ashley remained silent. Only after she left, did Brian release her, stepping back.

Ashley collapsed onto the carpet like discarded trash. Her long hair draped over her back, hiding her face and expression. Her slender back glowed softly, her flawless curves exuding sensuality.

After enduring Brian’s torment twice, Ashley lay exhausted on the carpet, slowly recovering.

Brian turned on the light. The brightness highlighted Brian’s strong, commanding presence and Ashley’s shy, blooming beauty.

Ashley’s shoulders flinched.

Brian lit a cigarette and walked over to her, stark naked. “Lift your head.”

Ashley looked up. His unreadable expression was shrouded in smoke...she couldn’t read it.

After a long silence, he spoke in a low voice, “Wanna go abroad?”

Ashley felt a pang of pain, unsure whether it was physical or emotional.

Her voice was hoarse, “Yes, I’m curious.”

Curious about life outside the cage, about a life beyond being a caged bird. She bit her lip, “Just two more years.”

In two years, she would be free.

Brian exhaled a ring of smoke, his expression even more inscrutable. “Huh, give it up.”

Ashley’s face paled. Her delicate face drained of color; her teary eyes filled with defiance; her lips bruised from biting to suppress her voice.

“Mr, Sarah is arranging a marriage for you,” she said, her voice shaking.

He could have any number of legitimate women.

Why wouldn’t he let her go?!

Brian looked down at her, “So what?”

His indifferent arrogance was like a knife to Ashley’s heart.

Yes, so what?

As long as he didn’t let her go, she couldn’t leave, no matter how many applications she submitted.

She thought she had a five-year sentence, but if he chose, it could easily become life imprisonment.

Ashley clenched her palm, unable to utter a word.

This man, outwardly a gentleman, was a relentless madman in private. Once he deemed something his, he would stop at nothing to possess it. If he couldn’t have it, he would destroy it.

Swallowing her bitter tears, Ashley took several deep breaths. When she looked up again, she was obedient and docile. “You were too rough earlier, it hurts.”

The last words were soft and coquettish, dripping with allure.

Brian’s gentleness returned as he brushed her hair aside. “Good girl.”

Never resist when you can’t win. This was a lesson Ashley learned early in life. She accepted Brian’s kiss, making a silent decision.

...

Before dawn, Brian finally left Ashley’s room.

She lost count of how many times she had been tormented, knowing only that her entire body ached.

After he left, Ashley got up despite the discomfort, locked the door, and climbed back into bed, falling asleep immediately.

She woke to the sound of voices in the hallway.

It was 11 a.m. Fortunately, it was Saturday, or she would have missed class again.

Ashley checked her email and, as expected, found a rejection letter from the Senior Dance Troupe.

She sighed.

Huai University, a top institution, was highly competitive, especially its prestigious Department of Dance. From freshman to junior year, students focused on basic skills and theory. Seniors were selected for the Senior Dance Troupe, representing the school in performances and competitions. Many graduates from this troupe joined top global dance companies without further testing.

In short, the Senior Dance Troupe was a golden opportunity. Even practicing with the troupe was an honor. Ashley hoped to join the troupe to earn a chance to study abroad. Unfortunately, the selection was strict, and she had been rejected again.

As she exited her email, a message popped up on WeChat.

Sophia sent that, “Saw the email?”

Sophia Kennedy, was the captain of the Senior Dance Troupe, a lively senior.

Ashley quickly replied, “Yes, what a pity.”

Sophia, “Come on, just stop pretending. Come to the Art Building, Room 302, at 4 p.m.”

Ashley sat up quickly, only to be reminded by a sharp pain in her waist.

She hurriedly typed, “But I got a rejection email.”

Sophia, “That was for the official troupe. No junior gets in. But I can reserve a practice spot for you.”

She sent a mischievous emoji. “After all, you’ve got someone backing you!”

Ashley frowned, recalling the gossip she heard from classmates. She tentatively typed a name, “Was it Robert?”

Sophia, “You know it. Don’t be late.”

Ashley wanted to deny any connection with him but held back, seeing Sophia’s profile picture adorned with the troupe’s logo. She replied with a simple “okay.”

Put aside morality, embrace a unfair life. She would indulge herself this once.