Victoria’s eyes widened at the dazzling sight—rubies framed with diamonds, glowing red. Her mouth parted, and she stared at her generous lover in awe. He pushed the box toward her with a satisfied smile and said, “For you.”

“Can I kiss you?” she whispered, stunned.

“In the room,” he replied with a smirk, then nodded toward the necklace. “Think you can put it on yourself?”

“Of course.”

Carefully lifting the jewel by its edges, she placed it on her chest and, brushing her hair aside, fastened the clasp behind her neck. She closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she almost squealed in joy.

“You are the jewel this necklace was made for,” the man whispered with open adoration.

“Thank you! God, I can’t believe it! I finally have real diamonds and rubies!” Victoria exclaimed, covering her face with her hands.

But the moment she opened her eyes, she wished she hadn’t. Behind one lover, she saw the face of another—filled with disgust. Victoria turned pale.

Not now. Please, not now!

“This is for you too,” Robert said, taking off a thin gold chain.

He threw the bracelet she’d given him onto the table. It had been a gift from Anton Semyonovich—his very first to her, years ago. Robert had picked it out with care and put it on her wrist with affection. Now, his face screamed betrayal, like someone had kicked him under the chin with a filthy boot.

At that moment, her benefactor’s security men grabbed Robert and escorted him out.

Anton stood up calmly and told her to go to the room.

Shaking all over, Victoria left the restaurant, passed through the lobby and down the hall to the elevator. They always booked the same room—she knew exactly where to go. For ten agonizing minutes, she waited. Her mind raced: run, call the police, call emergency services—do something! But all she could do was tremble in fear, bracing for the inevitable punishment.

Anton Semyonovich entered, closed the door, and approached. Victoria sat obediently on the bed, holding her breath. Her entire being was a coiled spring. Her heart pounded with betrayal. She barely managed not to rock in rhythm with it.

Without a word, the man turned and slapped her across the face. She fell to the floor. Her cheek burned, and within seconds, she heard his hissing voice above her:

“I’ve never been so humiliated in my life.”

He grabbed her by the hair and punched her in the face—this time with his fist. The pain was immediate. She felt herself choking. Blood rushed into her mouth, blocking her breathing. But the sight of blood didn’t stop him. He hit her again—harder—like she were a man. Victoria lost consciousness. The sounds faded. Darkness swallowed her. When she came to, more pain followed.

Kicks—sharp, ruthless—landed against her sides from his polished shoes. She curled into a ball, trying to shield herself. Blood-matted hair stuck to her face. No more screams—only the involuntary whimpers of a wounded animal. The necklace flew under the bed. He didn’t even notice.

Eventually, the man who’d once courted her like a gentleman walked out—leaving her in a puddle of blood, still wearing her red dress.

She groaned and rolled onto her back. Everything hurt. Her body felt torn apart. The sparkle of diamonds and rubies shimmered nearby under the bed. Summoning all her strength, Victoria reached under the bed and found the necklace. Her body trembled violently. She grabbed it with her fingers and clutched it in her fist. She stuffed it inside her bra, beneath her bruised chest. Every movement sent waves of searing pain. But in her foggy mind, she thought: If I die now, at least let it be with my diamonds. Then she leaned her head back and slipped back into darkness.