Cherreads

Chapter 7 - chapter 7 : A father's voice, a torturer's hand.

Voici la traduction en anglais de ton chapitre, fidèle, fluide et adaptée au style dark romance 👇🔥

IN CHLOE'S ROOM

Sitting on the sofa facing her bed, Chloe absentmindedly played with a strand of her still-wet hair. She wore loose boyfriend jeans and a simple white T-shirt. Her long hair fell freely over her shoulders, framing a tired face soothed by the shower she had just taken.

Between her fingers, her phone vibrated faintly. It was the one she had found among the belongings delivered by Lorenzo's mother. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment, then dialed her father's number. Her heart raced.

The first rings felt endless.

Then finally, Giovanni's familiar, comforting voice answered.

Father

– Hello, who is this?

Chloe (smiling softly)

– It's me, Dad… it's Chloe. How are you, my sweet daddy?

Father (emotional, voice trembling)

– Ah… my darling. I'm fine. And you, how are you, baby? How is… uh… your husband?

At those words, Chloe's smile faded slightly. Her gaze drifted toward the bed. Her stomach tightened.

Should she tell him everything?

Tell him what kind of man Lorenzo really was?

Or spare him the burden, knowing his fragile health?

Chloe (trying to sound reassuring)

– I'm okay, Dad. And my husband is fine too. But we need to talk.

Father (curious, slightly worried)

– Talk about what? Is everything alright?

Chloe let out a long sigh, her throat tightening with emotion. She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, searching for words. When she spoke, her voice came out low, almost a whisper.

Chloe (sighing)

– Yes… but I don't think I'll ever get used to this new life. I was so used to being with you. And now everything happened so fast that I don't even know what's going to happen next.

A heavy silence settled.

On the other end, Giovanni could feel his daughter's fear and uncertainty despite her efforts to sound strong.

Chloe stared into the void, eyes glistening, desperately waiting for her father to reassure her.

Chloe (gently)

– Dad, don't you think we could talk again with your boss about your surgery? Honestly, none of this makes sense to me. This marriage happened too fast… I don't even know why he insisted I marry his son. And you know very well that the only reason I agreed was because he promised to pay for your operation and even give you a house, so you'd be comfortable. I'd do anything for you, Dad. I know that even if you worked all your life, you'd never afford the cost of that surgery. And I don't want to lose you. I'd rather stay here with this man, and know you're safe, than watch you die.

On the other end, Giovanni's heart clenched painfully.

Her words struck deep, but the weight of a secret he kept made the silence even heavier.

Father (softly)

– My baby… I love you so much. Never forget that your daddy loves you more than anything. I know it's hard to live with someone you don't know, but don't worry. My boss reassured me: as long as you're with his son, he'll make sure you're protected. Nothing will happen to you, sweetheart.

Chloe's eyes welled with tears.

Chloe

– Dad, I already miss you… I'll come see you tomorrow. When is your surgery? I want to be there for you and make sure everything goes well. I wish you had told me earlier you had lung cancer… why did you hide it from me?

Father (emotional)

– Baby… I couldn't. I didn't want you to worry. Don't blame me, please. I have my reasons. The surgery is in five days. Don't worry, there's still time. I'll call you when it's time. And my boss hired a nurse to stay with me, so I'm in good hands.

Chloe (slight smile)

– Okay, Dad. Take care of yourself. I love you. Bye.

Father (tenderly)

– Goodbye, my daughter. May God protect you.

Chloe (voice trembling)

– Amen.

She finally hung up. A tear rolled down her cheek, followed by a long sigh. Deep inside, she felt slightly relieved — at least her father would get his surgery.

Chloe (murmuring to herself)

– As long as my father is safe and his boss keeps his word, I'll endure this monster.

She rose slowly, slipped her feet into her slippers and left her room.

Her steps echoed softly in the quiet hallway. She descended the stairs into the vast living room, still smelling faintly of coffee and toasted bread.

Without stopping, she headed straight to the dining room.

The room was large, brightened by sunlight streaming through wide glass doors. The heavy wooden table stood proudly at the center, covered with dishes carefully prepared by Lila.

Lorenzo was already seated, lounging in his leather armchair like a king at his table.

He ate calmly, expression unreadable. His coffee mug steamed beside him.

Chloe entered without acknowledging him. She pulled out a chair sharply and sat, lowering her head.

Without waiting, she served herself, her hands slightly trembling. She began to eat in silence, eyes glued to her plate — as if every bite helped her avoid Lorenzo's gaze.

But he never stopped watching her.

His dark eyes tracked her, cold, silent, analyzing each gesture, each breath.

From time to time, he lifted his fork — but his stare never left her.

Chloe's thoughts

What's his deal? Sitting shirtless at the dining table like nothing's wrong… who does he think he is? Okay, I won't lie, he's insanely handsome. Hot even. But he disgusts me. Especially after what I witnessed this morning… how could he let that woman suck him off while I was right there, asleep?

I hate him. He repulses me. And his father keeps praising him nonstop. Since I got here, he hasn't smiled at me once. Never talked to me kindly. I thought I'd have a respectful husband — pff, no luck.

Lorenzo's thoughts

I won't lie — she's cute. Long hair, innocent face, tiny frame next to me — kind of adorable actually. Looks like my old man tried to match me with my "other half." But whatever. She's pretty, sure, but not my type. I don't care.

The silence lingered until Lila entered the room.

Her walk was deliberately provocative, hips swaying like she was marking her territory.

She stopped beside Lorenzo, hands on her hips, eyes boldly settling on Chloe.

Lorenzo looked up, slightly frowning.

Chloe didn't lift her gaze — she kept eating calmly.

Lorenzo (sharp, commanding)

– What do you want, Lila?

Lila (feigning innocence, eyes on Chloe)

– Nothing at all. I just wanted to ask your friend if she needed anything else.

Lorenzo didn't answer.

He knew exactly what she was fishing for — curious to know who that girl sitting across him was.

She'd already asked him earlier, but he told her nothing.

Upon hearing those words, Chloe slowly lifted her head.

Her eyes met Lila's — calm but cutting — a faint smile curling at her lips.

Chloe (provocative, venomous)

– You could've just asked directly, darling. Maybe I would've been kind enough to answer. But since you insist… let me enlighten you. I'm his wife. Yeah — the wife of the guy you were sucking off this morning while I was sleeping beside him. But don't worry, I'm a generous girl. I like sharing food with thirsty little bitches. Looking at you, it's clear you don't have a man able to satisfy you properly — so go ahead, enjoy yourself. That man? I guess he's ours now. Dig in, sweetheart. I always share.

A frozen silence fell.

Lorenzo set his fork down, his black eyes burning into Chloe with dangerous intensity.

His jaw clenched — the air thickened.

Lila's face flushed with humiliation.

Without answering, she turned and walked away — hips far less confident.

Lorenzo (voice deep, harsh)

– Hey, kid… who the hell do you think you are talking like that? Are you crazy? You think I belong to you?

Chloe lifted her head slowly.

Her gaze was hard, chin high — anger shimmering behind her eyes.

Chloe (sharp, fierce)

– Calm down with your big ego. And don't flatter yourself. The only reason I said that was to put your bitch back in her place. She needed to understand she's not in my league. And for the record — I couldn't care less if you screw her or let her suck your dick. Those are your dog-and-bitch games. But here's the thing — she will learn to respect me. If she keeps provoking me, I won't hesitate to show both of you that I'm not stupid. Even if you and I are not a real couple — even if there's zero love between us — you still owe me respect. So next time you want to fuck your cheap sluts or your desperate forty-year-olds, do it in your room. Not in front of me.

Her voice cracked like a whip.

She stood abruptly — her chair scraping the floor — turned her back and stormed off, shaking with rage but walking tall.

Lorenzo froze.

His jaw ticked, veins bulging — anger boiling inside.

Lorenzo (growling)

– Who does she think she is? How dare she talk to me like that?

He pushed his chair back violently and strode out — heavy, thunderous steps.

He crossed the living room, climbed the stairs in two strides.

In the hallway, Chloe was reaching her door.

Her hand brushed the handle when a brutal grip seized her arm.

In one swift motion, Lorenzo spun her around.

His black eyes blazed.

Then—

SPLASH.

The slap cracked through the air — sharp and brutal.

Chloe staggered, nearly falling.

Her cheek burned like fire. She pressed her hand against it, breath short, tears gathering — but she refused to let them fall.

Chloe (trembling)

– Why are you hitting me now? Because I told the truth? You think slapping me will shut me up? Guess what, asshole — you're nothing but a pathetic coward— a man with no—

SPLASH.

A second slap — even harsher — cut her off.

Lorenzo (roaring)

– Shut up, you stupid brat!

Chloe flinched.

A tear escaped, but she wiped it angrily and lifted her burning gaze.

Chloe (voice shaking with fury)

– Don't you dare lay a hand on me! I'm not your slave! Who the hell do you think you are?

Lorenzo (rage pulsing through him)

– I'm your husband. And next time you try to order me around — believe me — I'll beat you worse. Watch your damn mouth when you speak to me, kid.

Chloe (defiant, eyes blazing)

– Then hit me! You think I'm scared of you? I'm not. All you know how to do is hit. Want me to tell you something? You're just a fake bad boy — a bastard I hate with everything in me.

The word hate landed like a slap.

Lorenzo snapped.

He grabbed Chloe by the throat.

His hand clenched, lifting her off the ground effortlessly, as if she weighed nothing.

His eyes were bloodshot, twisted with fury — tightening around her neck.

Chloe turned red, choking.

Her legs kicked helplessly — her hands clawed at his arm — trembling, desperate.

Chloe (strangled)

– Le… let… me… go…

Lorenzo (cold, terrifying)

– You speak to me with respect. I'm very cruel when I'm disobeyed. I'm your husband — and in this house, you follow my rules. If you dare tell me again how to handle my business or my whores — believe me — your punishment will be worse than anything you can imagine. Watch yourself, girl. Watch very carefully.

He released her suddenly.

Chloe collapsed like a broken doll.

Her breathing faltered — her vision blurred — her body slumped sideways.

Her hair covered her face — her arms limp.

Finger marks already reddened her fragile neck.

She had lost consciousness.

Lorenzo didn't flinch.

His icy eyes left her without a shred of guilt.

He walked into his room and slammed the door shut as if nothing had happened.

Inside, he ripped off his pajama pants and tossed them aside.

His tense body buzzed with anger.

He stormed into his bathroom, turned the water on harshly, letting it pour over his burning skin.

He closed his eyes.

Lorenzo's thoughts

If she thinks she's going to play rebel with me, she's wrong. I'm the boss here. Whether she likes it or not — she will bend. Damn brat is getting under my skin.

He ran his hands through his hair under the water, eyes stubbornly shut.

His heart hammered with rage — yet his expression remained eerily calm, as if the girl's unconscious body meant nothing.

To be continued…

More Chapters