All Your Empty Promises

Yasmine felt like she had been thrown into ice-cold water. She froze.

Times had changed. Things were more open now than before, but if one was accused of colluding with foreign forces, interrogation was unavoidable.

Leo knew what happened to the people under questioning. He had told her all about their misery.

Yet for Yara and Noah’s sake, he was handing her over himself.

Guards pushed her forward. Before she was taken away, Leo leaned in close.

“You think faking a letter to study abroad just to play your little game with me would make me send Yara and Noah away? Take this as a lesson. Stop your scheming.”

If he had only looked at her face, he would have seen the last flicker of hope for him die in her eyes.

But he did not look at her.

He had abandoned her many times before. Why would this time be any different?

Yasmine did not fight back. She could not take it anymore.

They locked her in a pitch-black interrogation room. The cold air raised goosebumps across her skin.

The one in charge was Leo’s own subordinate.

His eyes were filled with disdain. He cracked a whip in his hand and brought it down hard.

Snap! Snap!

The whip, soaked in saltwater, carved bloody welts into her skin.

Yasmine screamed and spat out through gritted teeth, “Is this your idea of interrogation? This is nothing but torture!”

Her cries only fueled him. He struck harder.

“Our commander sacrificed his legs for this country, while you colluded with foreign powers! You shame him!

“He told me to make sure you learned your lesson. Whatever happens, he’ll take responsibility. Now, tell me. What was in that letter?”

Did he love Yara and Noah that much?

Leo loved them so much that he was willing to see her beaten like this!

She shook from the pain. She was about to speak, but the man sneered.

“Forget it! You’ll only deny it. Keep beating her! Don’t stop until she breaks.”

Two men dragged her away.

The nightmare lasted four days.

Her body was covered in whip marks, and her fingers were bruised from being crushed repeatedly.

Each time she passed out, a bucket of salt water brought her back.

There was not an inch left on her body that was not in pain.

She thought she really might die here.

Then, the door opened. Yara walked in as she pushed Leo’s wheelchair forward.

Leo looked down at the tied-up Yasmine. For a moment, pity flashed in his eyes.

“Yasmine, it’s been four days. Do you admit your mistake?

“Yara is generous. She’s willing to let go of how you treated her and Noah. If you just apologize, I’ll take you back home.”

Her heart had long turned to stone, yet his words still made her laugh bitterly.

“Fine! I’m sorry.

“I’m sorry for resenting Yara and Noah. I’m sorry for getting in the way of your love for them. I’m sorry for showing up at the Quinton house and disturbing your happy little family. Is that enough?”

Leo saw her teary eyes, and anxiety stirred in his chest.

“Yasmine, that’s not what I meant.

“There’s nothing between me and Yara. I swore to my brother I’d take care of her and Noah. You know that. Why can’t you understand?”

Yara stepped in to add fuel to the fire.

“Yasmine still misunderstands us, Leo. Maybe Noah and I shouldn’t be around you anymore.”

Leo shook his head without hesitation.

“No. Not again. Yara, I don’t want to hear that again. If you leave with Noah, how can I face my brother?”

He turned back to Yasmine, and disappointment burned in his eyes.

“Yasmine, you’re being childish! Stay here and reflect.”

He wheeled away in anger.

Yara did not follow.

She stopped in front of Yasmine, lifted her chin with a finger, and smiled airily.

“See? I put in the slightest effort, and Leo won’t listen to you.”

She then placed a hand on her stomach. Her expression was smug and taunting.

“You haven’t heard yet, have you? I’m carrying Leo’s child.”