I already knew the answer.
I knew getting him to stay was almost impossible whenever she called, like a lost puppy that had found its owner. Still, I lifted my head. I meant to say I have to try at least to get him to stay tonight.
"I will agree to end this marriage," I said quietly. "But I have conditions. Stay tonight. Stand by me through Grandpa's funeral. When it's over, I'll sign the papers."
The room went still.
His eyes narrowed. Something sharp flickered there, mockery, maybe even amusement. The corner of his mouth curved slightly.
"Please, Scarlett. I really do not like empty promises," he said, his words landing like ice.
He let go of my chin and leaned closer, his breath brushing my ear, slowly, coldly.
"Scarlett, empty promises won't keep me here, so do better." he let go of my chin and leaned closer, his breath brushing my ear, slowly, coldly.
It was a challenge to his voice. He was there, and he told me he wanted to see how much pressure I could withstand. I knew exactly what he was asking for my cheesesteaks, and that they thought of it. I hit it myself, a little Linda moment. I thought that this was the only way I could make him pause
I wrapped my arms around his waist and leaned closer, lifting my face towards him. I must have looked ridiculous, considering that I had so much height difference around me, so easily.
I told myself you didn't matter. I told myself I needed him to stay, so we could put up a strong front tomorrow.
With my hand, Louette moved towards his waist, and he caught it.
"That's enough, stop doing that." He yelled at me, pushing me away.
I said, I am confused and able to understand why he hated me so much, he turned away and picked up his group pajamas from the bed. In a few smooth movements, he was already dressed. I just stood there, staring at him, pitiful tears gathering in my eyes.
Is he… staying?
The thought had barely formed when a woman's voice floated up through the rain outside.
"Ashton…"
My heart dropped.
He reacted instantly, crossing the room with two long strides. He stepped onto the balcony and looked down; his expression immediately darkened. Without a word, he turned back into the room, grabbed his coat, and left immediately.
I followed Rebecca to the balcony doorway. Rebecca was standing in the rain. Her thin dress clung to her body, showing everything. Her hair was plastered to her face. She looked very fragile, standing there, trembling under a heavy downpour.
Ashton reached her in seconds, putting his coat over her shoulders. He looked like he wanted to scold her for doing something so pathetic and stupid, but she immediately threw herself into his arms and began to cry.
He stiffened, then held her.
Watching them like that, something inside me finally settled into place. Clear. Painful. Undeniable.
I understood then.
Why two years of standing beside him meant nothing.
Why my bond with him couldn't compete with a single call from Rebecca.
Ashton walked into the villa with his arm wrapped around Rebecca.
I stood at the top of the stairs when they came up, blocking their path without thinking. I watched eded them play happy couple in my own home. Rainwater dripped from their clothes onto the marble floor. They looked like they belonged together, like this was completely natural.
"Move," Ashton snapped, disgust sharp in his voice.
Was I sad?
I wasn't sure. My chest felt strangely numb, but my eyes burned. Watching the one, I was bound to treat another woman like something fragile, like something precious hurt in a way I couldn't explain.
"Ashton," I said quietly, forcing myself to stay calm. "When we formed the bond, you promised Grandpa you would never let her step into this house while I was here."
This place was the only thing that had ever felt remotely like mine. Night after night, I had stepped aside and let Rebecca take him. I had swallowed it all. But this felt different.
He laughed.
A short, cruel sound.
"You think far too highly of yourself, Scarlett," he said coldly.
Then he shoved past me.
I stumbled to the side, barely steadying myself, and could only watch as he led Rebecca into the guest room like I wasn't even there.
Like I was nothing.
That night dragged on endlessly.
Rebecca had stood too long in the rain. Her body had always been weak, and before long, she developed a high fever. Ashton stayed by her side, helping her change clothes, pressing cool towels to her skin, his voice low and careful.
The same man who barely looked at me now treated her like she might break.
I stood there silently.
Eventually, he turned his sharp gaze on me.
"Go back to the family home," he ordered. "Rebecca can't leave tonight."
At this hour?
A bitter laugh almost escaped me.
I really was an eyesore to him.
I looked at Ashton for a very long moment, wanting to remind him that the family home was far away. I wanted to tell him that it was dangerous for a woman to go out alone so late at night. But I just realized that none of that mattered to him. He did not really care about me; all he cared about was Rebecca, and that she rested peacefully without my presence in the house.
I took a slow breath, forcing the small aching in my chest down. " I will go back to my bedroom." I said calmly, "It is not appropriate to leave now, and besides, it's raining heavily."
I would not let him drive me out of our home like this.
I slowly turned and walked away.
As I stepped into the corridor, I bumped into Jared Crest, the family doctor. He was still wearing black pajamas, his hair damp, shoes mismatched. His clothes were soaked through.
He must have rushed over the moment he was called by my mate.
And for the first time that night, I realized
I wasn't as important as I felt.