“You don't have what it takes to be my wife. This position demands someone who isn't a coward, someone who isn't afraid of me. Do you have a guilty conscience? Is that why you're so nervous around me?” Theodore's breath was hot on Ariana's neck as he leaned in to whisper these cutting words, causing her to shiver in fear.

He gazed down at Ariana as his slender fingers slid beneath the collar of her turtleneck blouse and then stroked her neck with the tenderness of a doting lover.

The intimate gesture sent shivers down her spine and she felt her heart race.

Ariana's voice quavered with trepidation as she stuttered, "I... I don't."

Theodore sneered with a malevolent glint in his eyes, relishing the fear he had induced in her.

Ariana could feel his heartbeat pounding against her chest, each thump ringing in her ears like a death knell.

What did he mean by this?

She suddenly felt a tightening around her neck as Theodore's fingers closed around her throat, constricting her breath.

Her face grew pale as she gasped for air, tears welling up in her eyes.

The pressure on her neck was unrelenting as if he intended to leave bruises on her skin.

Theodore's voice was low and menacing as he growled, “Did you enjoy flirting with Jasper in front of me?"

Theodore's grip on Ariana's neck became more and more intense as if he was trying to squeeze the life out of her, his fingers digging into her delicate skin like sharp claws. She was like a chicken who was about to be slaughtered ruthlessly.

Panic settled in as Ariana realized that Theodore was awake the entire time on their wedding night. He had seen Jasper sneaking into their room.

Desperation to breathe took over Ariana when her life flashed before her eyes. She struggled with all her might and finally broke free from Theodore's iron grip. Gasping for air, she stumbled back, her eyes wide with fear as she clutched her neck, her throat throbbing painfully

Theodore's eyes bored into her, and for a moment, he seemed to take pleasure in her panic. But when his gaze fell on her belly, his expression twisted into one of pure malice. A cold, cruel glint flickered in his eyes, sending shivers down Ariana's spine.

“You'd better hope that you're not pregnant," he hissed, his voice laced with venom.

"Because if you are, I'll make sure it never sees the light of day."

A strangled sound escaped from her throat, and she coughed uncontrollably, struggling to calm her nerves. Ariana felt that Theodore really wanted to kill her a moment ago.

Her heart sank as she heard the threat in his words. Theodore was every bit as ruthless as Jasper had warned her. Maybe even worse.

In a desperate bid to save her own life, Ariana lowered her head, her voice trembling with fear as she tried to explain herself.