Even when I brought him home to meet my mother after our engagement—my mother, who was already gravely ill—all I asked was for him to carry the dishes out from the kitchen. He went cold, slammed the door, and left.
My dying mother wept for me.
Even then, I forced a smile and made excuses for him.
After that, I treated him even more carefully, walking on eggshells around his wounds.
I'd never cooked a day in my life, but I burned and blistered my hands learning, just so he'd never have to.
And now I knew. His scars had already been healed—by another woman.
The moment Benjamin saw me, he froze. Then, instinctively, guiltily, he tugged at the apron.
"Maud... what are you doing here?"
Behind him, Elise's face appeared. Her small features were pinched with anxiety as she peered at me.
"Professor's wife... no... Miss Fox, what are you doing here?"
Tears welled in her eyes as she stepped in front of Benjamin, shielding him.
"Miss Fox, if you need someone to take your anger out on, just hit me. Professor Delgado only did all this to help me..."
Benjamin looked at her with aching tenderness, then turned on me.