The Hide and Seek Game That Lasted a Lifetime novel Chapter 18

Chapter 8

Nora’s body trembled violently, an icy shiver crawling beneath her skin as the rough, filthy hands groped her without mercy. A deep, visceral revulsion surged from the core of her being—raw, fierce, and utterly uncontrollable. How could she have ever believed she loved someone capable of such cruelty?

“Damn, she’s got an incredible body. Babe, you should wear this next time we’re together—I’m gonna lose it,” Chase’s voice echoed from the villa, a twisted admiration dripping from his words.

Back inside, Chase had just finished ogling Camila’s cat-ear lingerie, a wicked smirk curling his lips as he grabbed the surveillance remote. “Let me check the feed. I’m not sure those thugs know where to draw the line. I told them to scare her, not actually touch her,” he muttered with a hint of irritation.

He understood his boundaries—Nora was still his wife, after all. He wouldn’t truly harm her, not beyond control.

Camila’s eyes flickered briefly with guilt, but it was fleeting. She quickly wrapped her arms around Chase, her fingers tracing along his waist seductively. “But Chase… this is the first time since I found out I’m pregnant. Don’t you want to try something… different?” she whispered, her voice thick with temptation.

“Not now,” he replied curtly.

Ignoring his refusal, Camila straddled his lap, slipping her hand beneath his belt. His breath hitched, ragged and uneven. The last thread of his restraint snapped like brittle twigs underfoot.

In an instant, he pinned her down on the bed.

“Please… don’t… don’t…” Nora’s voice was desperate as she fought with every ounce of strength left in her.

“I’ll pay you—double, triple whatever he offered—just let me go. Please…” Her pleas were met only with cruel grins.

“Sorry, sweetheart. Your husband was very clear—told us to ‘take good care of you,’” one of the men sneered.

They laughed crudely, bickering over who would go first as they unbuckled their belts and lunged toward her.

“No—!” Nora screamed.

Before their hands could touch her, a thunderous series of heavy thuds shattered the tense atmosphere. One by one, the men were violently thrown to the floor. Amid the chaos, a tall, commanding figure appeared, his presence radiating an intimidating authority.

His gaze swept over the attackers as if they were nothing more than pests to be crushed.

A heavy silence filled the car.

Finally, he spoke, “Alright.”

When Nora stepped out of the County Clerk’s Office, the sky above seemed impossibly blue, brighter than it had in years. A fresh breeze brushed her face, carrying with it a sense of liberation she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Back in the car, the crushing weight on her chest began to lift. She was free.

The marriage—the lies, the pain, the scars—were behind her now.

From this moment forward, she vowed to live life on her own terms.

No more chains binding her to Chase.

Never again.