Driven by a surge of adrenaline, Elin bolted to the door and flung it open.

Dayton, looking weary and disheveled, paused his tirade. Leaning against the railing, he smirked upon seeing her. “Honey, you are still so obedient."

Elin's body shook, but she forced herself to feign calmness, reminding herself of her newfound independence. She no Longer belonged to him. They were divorced. Plus, this was Ardlens, not Aurora. Here, the law would protect her.

With a steady voice, Elin faced Dayton. “Dayton, we're divorced. I'm not your wife anymore."

Dayton's smile broadened, the red birthmark twitching grotesquely as it contorted with his grin, a sight that chilled Elin to the bone.

He spoke in a chilling tone. “Elin, you seem to have forgotten what I told you. Once my wife, always my wife. You can't escape me."

Elin steadied herself. She refused to live in fear of him any longer.

Looking him in the eyes, she declared, “Dayton, this is Ardlens, not Aurora. Touch me and you'll face the consequences."

“Bravo! How arrogant," he mocked.

Suddenly, Dayton seized her hair and yanked her toward him, his voice fierce. "It's been months since we last met. Have you forgotten..."

He leaned in close, his breath cold and sinister as he whispered, "Have you forgotten how you used to crawl at my feet like a dog?"

Elin screamed, wrenching free from his grasp. She grabbed a knife and brandished it at him, her voice trembling with rage. “Dayton, come any closer and I swear I'll kill you!"

“You're overconfident, Elin. If I could destroy you once, I can do it again," Dayton taunted, smirking ominously.

The next second, a shout pierced the air. "Put down the knife!"

Police officers in uniform reached.

Dayton instantly raised his hands in surrender, feigning innocence.

“Officer, you've arrived just in time. It seems my ex-wife is having an episode again."

He gestured to the scattered gifts on the ground. "I only came to deliver these gifts out of kindness, but she pulled a knife on me and started threatening my life."

Elin was stunned, hearing his twisted version of the truth.

Dayton was a master of deception, often painting Elin as unstable.