The audacity! This man killed my son, murdered my brother, and now he was pretending to grieve with me? My rage exploded. I shoved him off and slapped him across the face so hard my palm stung.
“You bastard! I hate you!”
Jason’s cheeks were wet, his expression broken. For a second, I saw the man I had once loved—the man who had pulled me from a burning building, the man I chose over Roy even when my family begged me not to.
“I deserve it,” Jason said hoarsely. “Go on, hit me. I’m a terrible father.”
I pounded on his chest, tears blinding me, waiting for him to admit the truth. But he didn’t. He just cried harder, playing the victim, whispering words that made me sick. By the time I was drained, he pressed a cup into my hands.
“Here, darling. Drink this tea and rest.”
Exhausted, I swallowed it without thinking. My body curled up on the sofa, my tears soaking the cushions until I drifted into a restless sleep.
—
When I woke, voices filled the room. My head throbbed as I forced my eyes open.
“You’re awake,” Jason said softly.
I blinked, only to see him standing protectively beside Chloe, their hands entwined.
My heart lurched. “What is she doing here?” I spat.
“Calm down, Amber,” Jason said.