Evan shrugged her off, causing Jocelyn to yelp and stagger backward. "Evan, wait—"
Zoe's attention snapped to the commotion at the door.
Evan stormed over, grabbing Edward by the collar and lifting him from his seat. Unprepared, Edward's phone clattered onto the desk as he lurched forward, the desk shifting with the force.
Zoe jumped, grabbing Evan's arm. "What are you doing?"
"How dare you," he sneered, landing a solid punch on Edward's face.
The blow was powerful, drawing a pained cry from Edward before Evan yanked him back.
A small crowd had gathered, eager for drama.
"What's wrong with you?" Zoe yelled, trying to push him away.
Evan stared at her, his eyes reddening.
Releasing Edward, he grabbed Zoe's arm and her suitcase, storming out with a menacing air.
The onlookers wisely cleared the way.
"Evan... Evan?" Jocelyn persisted, attempting to follow. But Evan's swift pace dragged Zoe along, nearly causing her to stumble, disappearing around the corner.
Jocelyn halted, clenching her fists in frustration.
In the office, Edward dabbed at the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his brows furrowed. He winced, acknowledging that domestically abusive men indeed hit hard.
Nurses gathered around, concerned. "Dr. Smith, are you alright? Do you need ice?"
Edward wiped away the blood at the corner of his mouth, assuring them, "I'm fine. Please leave me alone."
They exchanged looks before obediently exiting.
He straightened his crumpled collar and righted the table. Picking up his phone, he found the ticket purchase confirmation on screen.
Edward froze, an inexplicable pang of sympathy for the pitiful woman surging within him.
In the hallway, Evan released Zoe, tossing her suitcase aside before violently kicking it. Unsatisfied, he kicked it again, sending it tumbling down the nearby stairs, the noise echoing harshly.
His bloodthirsty gaze met Zoe's as he pinned her against the wall.
Her back smarting,she struggled, demanding, "Let me go!"
Furious, he reared back to strike her right at the face.
Zoe squeezed her eyes shut, only to hear the impact of his fist against the wall instead.
Evan's eyes blazed with fury, wishing that punch had landed on her face.
"Running away with your adulterer? Zoe! How dare you, You will pay for this!"
He resembled a monstrous figure from a horror film, seemingly capable of devouring her.
Zoe was startled but then chuckled. "How do you want me to pay for that? Do it now, please?"
She felt as good as dead, merely existing like a zombie.
"Good girl," Evan echoed eerily, pulling her towards the exit, tossing her to the ground before retrieving her suitcase from the stairs.
Zoe retreated as he advanced, her back against the wall. Her mocking smile and derisive gaze only fueled his rage.
Evan's laughter was chilling as he hoisted her onto his shoulder, marching towards the bedroom. His shoulder dug painfully into her stomach, draining color from her face.
"Let me go!"
Before she could resist, he descended upon her as he laid her on the bed.
Zoe fought desperately, but he restrained her effortlessly.
"What did you say just now?" he demanded.
