He stepped closer. His gaze softened slightly as he reached out to touch my face.
The next moment, I shoved him back with all my strength.
My voice was calm. The man who had been my husband for nine years now felt like a complete stranger. “Damian, when my family was in chaos, you were the one who stood by me and helped me through it all. For nine years as your wife, I did everything I could to repay that debt. But I couldn’t give you the one thing you wanted most–a child–after the accident.
“Now, Serena is carrying your child. Your wish has come true, and I sincerely wish you both happiness.”
At those words, Damian finally understood that I had made up my mind to leave him for good.
Panic flashed across his face.
“Claire, no. You can’t do this to me!”
He fiddled with the cufflinks on his sleeves. “Are you telling me that you never felt a single ounce of love for me after all these years? That it was all just repayment for a debt? I don’t believe you. Do you think I’d fall for such a pathetic lie?”
Of course he would not believe it.
If I had never loved him-
Why did I beg him for a goodbye kiss every morning before he left for work?
Why did I sit outside the operating room for twelve hours without food or water, crying my eyes swollen like a sponge when he was shot and undergoing surgery?
1/2
Chapter
B
+25 BONUS
Why did I throw myself in front of an assassin’s blade for him, almost losing my life in the process?
I loved him.
I loved him so much that everyone could see how deeply, hopelessly I adored him.
However, what did he do with that love?
He took advantage of my obedience and patience, trampling over my dignity and crossing my boundaries again and again.
He had forgotten the promise he once made–that we would be together for life.
His chest, filled with bullets, money, and power, had long since forgotten what real pain felt like.
He got everything he had in life too easily.
That was why he would never understand that once a heart had been shattered and numbed by agony, it could never go back to the way it was.
He would also never understand that some things in this world could never be forced, no matter how powerful he was.
I stared quietly at Damian.
His lips curved into a smile so broken it looked worse than crying. His bloodshot eyes were locked on me.
“Claire, I know I was wrong. Serena was never anything more than a mistress I kept in the shadows. I only needed her to give
me a child. As soon as she gives birth, I’ll kick her out of my life. Please come back with me, okay?”
I shook my head firmly.
“Damian, I don’t care what you and Serena have going on.
wwwww
“All you need to know is that I’ve started a new life here. I’m never going back with you. Please leave.”
“I won’t allow that! I refuse!”
Damian roared and lunged forward, trying to drag me away from Justin.
Seconds later, a sharp pain shot through his chest. Damian clutched his heart and collapsed to the ground.
The last thing he saw as his vision blurred was my cold, indifferent gaze.
