Was it because I already knew—deep down—that no matter what I heard, I would still let him break me? That I would still let him have the power to destroy me?
My hands instinctively cradled my belly. I had been so happy to conceive. I thought this child would strengthen our bond. He hadn’t wanted me to get pregnant, but I stopped taking my pills anyway. I wanted our marriage to last. I wanted to believe we had a future.
Would knowing about the baby change his mind? Would he finally love me? Or would it only make him despise me more?
A sharp pain clenched my heart as I watched the next scene unfold.
Simond sank to his knees before her, his hands peeling away her dress. The lights were bright—he wanted to see her. But with me, he always made sure he couldn’t see me.
“You know I only married her because I owed her father a debt,” he murmured, pressing his lips to her thigh. “One more year, and I’ll be free.”
Indebted? That was all I was to him?
“But are you sure you’re not falling for her?” she asked hesitantly.
He chuckled darkly.
“Never. Have you seen her face? Covered in ugly bruises? Not even an old, blind man would want her. She’s easy to discard. Don’t worry, I’m all yours.”