Years ago, I would’ve crumbled at the sight. I would’ve pulled him into my arms, sobbing like my life depended on it.
But now? Everything was different.
I looked down at him, my voice sharp and cold. “Lex, if you want to play the role of a devoted lover, go find Ivana. I don’t need it.”
He kept his head lowered, so I couldn’t see his face.
The silence stretched until he finally spoke, his voice hoarse. “Audrey, I know I was wrong. I— I went to the countryside these past few days. I saw it all. Every trace of your life there over the
+25 BONUS
Chapter 7
last three years. I even met the psychologist who treated you.”
“I know I hurt you,” he continued, each word strained, “but if you’ll let me… can I have a chance to make it up to you? I’ll take you somewhere far away–just the two of us. No one else. I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world.
“Please, Addie.”
That nameAddie–made me freeze for half a second.
Since Ivana came into the picture, he’d stopped calling me that. It was always Audrey, or worse, my full name, like I was some stranger.
But now? Hearing it again did nothing. Not a twinge.
“No,” I said simply. “We’re done. Just like that bracelet of mine–it’s long been shattered.”
With that, I stepped past him, ready to leave.
Lex grabbed my hand, his grip unsteady and trembling, but I didn’t even flinch. My gaze flicked past him, and a smile tugged at my lips.
Joshua.
He approached, his expression dark as a storm cloud. Without a word, he pried Lex’s hand off my arm, hauled him up from the ground, and then-
One punch.
Then another.
Each blow landed clean and heavy.
By the time Joshua finally stopped, Lex’s face was a mess of bruises and swelling.
Joshua glared down at him. “Lex, I’m letting you off the hook this time because you’re my nephew.
“But don’t ever let me see you again. And stay the hell away from my wife.
“Or you’ll regret it.‘
11
He wiped his hands clean and came over. He took my hand, and without a word, he led me home.
Lex lay crumpled on the ground, completely still, like a discarded rag no one cared to pick up.
