Right on cue, Margaux rushed over from the counter, probably having just picked up her order. She wrapped her arms protectively around him, her hands running over his face like she needed to check if I'd broken him.

Then she looked up at me, and her expression turned ice-cold.

"You hit him?" she asked, her voice tight.

"I did—"

A sharper, louder crack split the air of the hall.

Margaux's hand came down harder than his.

"That slap's a warning, Troy," she said, her tone steady, but every word sliced like a blade. "He's mine. Don't you dare touch him!"

She was trembling, but it wasn't fear that caused it. It was fury barely kept under control.

"Troy, seriously? You followed us here just to throw a tantrum like some jealous little boy?"

I wiped at the tear that had crept out of the corner of my eye and stood straighter.

My chin lifted, and I held my ground.

"Margaux, I wasn't raised to walk around town parading a side piece while I was still married," I said. "If he means that much to you, then sign the damn divorce papers. Or are you planning to keep playing the mistress for the rest of your life?"

She thought I was threatening her.

A cold laugh curled from her lips. "Divorce? You think you'd survive out there without me? Who the hell would want you?"

Then, she stepped in closer, her words coming fast, laced with pride and venom.

"Six years ago, my dad handed me off to you like some trade deal. For the rest of your life—dead or alive—you belong to me."

I let out a quiet yet bitter laugh.

"Margaux, I'm not some ghost leftover from the Davidsons," I said. "And I damn sure don't belong to the Haywood family either. Even if I drop dead, I'll only ever be my own ghost."

Seeing the shimmer of tears in my eyes, her tone softened for a moment.

"Alright, that's enough. Come home. I'll explain everything."

I shook my head.

"There's nothing left to explain," I said firmly. "I meant what I said. I really want the divorce."

I pulled the paperwork from my bag and placed it on the table right in front of her.

Margaux barely glanced at it before irritation colored her expression.

"All this drama because I didn't bring enough gifts for your dad?" she asked. "Fine. I'll give you an Amex black card. Buy whatever you want. Will that make you happy now?"

Her words almost made me laugh.

'That was her takeaway?' I thought.