Brendan loosened his grip, his expression puzzled. “What’s going on?”

Deirdre took a deep breath. “Don’t you see it? I don’t enjoy being in public anymore. Walk a mile in my shoes. If you were me, would you still want to go out so you could be ridiculed by others? Even though I’m used to it, I still won’t put myself on the spot willingly.”

Deirdre not only stunned herself when she made the remark, but she wondered if she had lost her mind. ‘How dare I tell Brendan my innermost thoughts and resist him? He has always wanted me to be obedient and submissive.’

Only that way would he not take away the person that she cared about the most, Ophelia.

Just as expected, the surrounding ambiance turned oppressive and dull abruptly.

Deirdre’s face turned slightly pale, and she was about to explain herself when Brendan said, “Understood.”

He added, “I’m sorry for not understanding the situation from your point of view earlier. You are right. They won’t say it to my face, but they will inevi