Alex's P.O.V.

It's Sunday morning, and I watch Stella sitting at the breakfast counter as she makes the cake for her mother because today is her birthday.

I can gaze at her like this all day. Seriously, I can't recognise the person I've become after falling in love with her. But I like myself. This love makes me feel alive and contented.

She whisks the batter, glancing at me. "Don't look at me like that, Alex?"

"Why not?" I raise my brows at her.

"Because you're distracting me and we can't do anything here. My mother and your father are at home, and they can catch us."

I smirk at her, leaning against the counter. "So my plan is working."

She shakes her head, trying to hide the hint of a smile, and focuses back on her mixing bowl. "Not in the kitchen, Alex. I'm serious. We're not alone today."

"Not my fault." I shrug, walking closer to her. "You're looking irresistible right now," I say, making her cheeks flush a little.

She loves it when I compliment her.

"Can't you think about anything other than this?" She laughs, nudging me with her elbow.

"Not when it's you." I grab her waist and pull her closer to me.

She gives me a fake glare, pushing me away. "If you mess up my cake, I'm gonna kill you, Alex Blackwood. So keep your hands to yourself."

"Fine, fine." I hold my hands up in mock surrender. "I'll try to be good. But only until you're making the cake."

"Deal." She grins and focuses back on the batter, pouring it into the pan before sliding it into the oven.

As she shuts the oven door, I wrap my arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close and nuzzling her hair. "Now that the cake's baking, how about we sneak up to my room?" I grind my hardness against her buttocks.

Pushing me away, she turns to face me, her cheeks turning red. "Alex, you'll get us caught."

"It'll be your fault?"

She stands, folding her arms across her chest. "My fault? How?"

"Because you're not coming to my room."

"Alex, the cake can burn!" She points at the oven. "I've got to keep watching it."

"We'll be quick. Promise." I look at her with pleading eyes.

She bites her lip, and I can tell she's tempted. "Fine. But really, really quick. I don't want my cake to get burned."

"I won't let that happen."

She nods. "So let's go."

"Follow me." I walk out of the kitchen with a grin on my face and hear her footsteps coming behind me.

***

Olivia's P.O.V.

Today is my birthday, and Jackson has thrown a party for me in the evening. I know he is going to make my birthday also painful. I want to free myself from the clutches of this monster, but for Stella's safety, I can bear anything. No matter how much pain I have to endure, I can't risk my daughter's life.

When I step out of the bathroom, Jackson sits, leaning back against the headboard with a smirk on his face. His voice oozes with fake sweetness as he says, "Happy birthday, wifey."

"Thank you," I reply, forcing a smile.

I wish I had been strong enough to kill him. This monster doesn't deserve to live.

"I have a gift for you." There is a dark glint in his eyes that sends a chill down my spine.

Before I can respond, there's a knock on the door. I walk quickly toward it after sighing.

As I open the door, I find Stella and Alex standing there. Stella holds a cake with a bright smile on her face. The joy in her eyes is the one thing that makes this day bearable.

"Happy birthday, Mom!" Stella beams, lifting the cake proudly. "I baked it myself."

I pull her into a hug. "Aww! Thank you, baby. It means so much to me."

Alex stands by, smiling, and he wishes me a happy birthday too. I'm grateful Alex isn't like her father and my daughter has someone like him. I've seen genuine concern for Stella in his eyes.

We gather around, and I cut the cake. Then I feed pieces to both Stella and Alex after Jackson. This pure moment with my daughter feels like a balm to my heart, temporarily making me forget the nightmare I'm living in.

Afterwards, Stella hands me a small gift bag, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Mom, I got this for you. I hope you like it!"

I hold her hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, sweetheart." She gives me a hug.

Soon, Alex and Stella excuse themselves, leaving Jackson and me alone.

As I sit down to unwrap Stella's gift, Jackson's dark voice catches my attention. "Don't you want to see my gift?"

I nod nervously, my heartbeat quickening with fright. His gift means something dangerous.

He strides over to me after pulling a small box from the drawer. My stomach knots as he hands it to me, his lips curled up in a sadistic smile.

"Open it," he commands.

I fumble with the wrapping and lift the lid, only to freeze in confusion as I stare at the item inside.

"Don't you know what that is?" He questions with an evil smile on his face.

I shake my head, feeling dreadful as he watches me with a twisted gleam in his eyes.

"It's a set of nipple clamps, custom-made with diamonds just for you," he says with dark satisfaction. "A perfect accessory to remind you of who you belong to."

My throat tightens and my hands shake as I stare down at the clamps, realising the pain they're designed to inflict. "They... they'll hurt."

"Yes, they will. But they'll look so good on you, my darling." He laughs evilly, and I clutch my hands at my sides, controlling myself from punching him.

He tugs at the neckline of my top. "Take this shit off."

With my trembling hands, I pull off my top and unclasp my bra. He fastens the clamps onto me, and I gasp in pain as they dig into my skin, sending sharp, burning sensations through me. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I fight to hold them back because I don't want to give him the satisfaction of my agony.

He yanks the chain attached to the clamps, pulling me closer until I'm inches away from him, causing me to hiss in pain. "Happy birthday, wifey."

He kisses me roughly, constantly tugging on the chain. I clench my fists, forcing myself to endure it, knowing that fighting back will only make things worse. My mind drifts to Stella, hoping she'll remain safe and unaware of what's happening behind closed doors.

As he finally pulls back, his dark eyes bore into mine. "I hope you remember who owns you, Olivia."

I swallow hard. "Yes... Jackson."

He smirks, releasing his hold on the chain, and steps back. "Good. Now clean yourself up and be ready for tonight's party. I expect perfection."

I nod, avoiding his gaze, feeling the ache from the clamps still biting into my skin. As soon as he leaves the room, I rush to the bathroom and catch my reflection in the mirror. My face is pale, eyes filled with anger and despair, but I know I can't let this break me. Not today.

After taking a deep breath, I gently remove the clamps, wincing as the pain flares. Once they're off, I cover myself with a soft towel, pressing my hand to my chest as if that could ease the bruises both inside and out.

Tonight, I'll put on a smile for Stella like always. I'll endure whatever he throws at me. Because for my daughter, I can survive anything.