"Did your parents have a crystal ball when they named you Florence? So fitting. So soft."
"Since I've been with you, I've barely touched her. Told her I had a low drive. The only time was when I needed to trick her into getting the marriage certificate so I could transfer the property to your name."
"Her? Pitiful? I already gave her the title of Mrs. Stephens. The one I owe now is you."
"You're too sweet. Your husband would give you his life if you asked."
One filthy, careless line after another, each one laced with contempt, poured into my ears.
I stood frozen in the doorway, every nerve in my body short-circuiting.
Six months ago, Noel had handed me a medical report diagnosing him with low libido. His face was full of guilt.
"Honey, our intimate life might not be possible anymore. Please don't leave me, okay?"
I felt sorry for him. I tried everything I could think of to make it work. None of it made a difference.
Then two months ago, he came home drunk one night and it happened. I thought my efforts had finally paid off. Turns out it was just a necessary transaction, the price of putting a property in his mistress's name.
That was when the baby was conceived.
The early spring sun should have been the warmest of the year. Instead, I felt like I was standing in a blizzard.
An hour later, Noel walked out of the bedroom with his arm around a striking woman.
The moment Florence saw me sitting in the living room, she flinched as if the sky had fallen. Her eyes turned red in an instant.
"Oh, Brooklyn, this is all my fault. This is your and Noel's bridal suite. I never should have come here. But I just love this villa so much, and I thought you'd be away on your trip and would never find out. I didn't expect..."
Florence's lips trembled, and she burst into loud, heaving sobs.
"Please don't blame Noel, and please don't send me away. I really do love him. I'm not here to tear you apart. I'm here to be part of your lives."
She dropped to her knees in front of me again, slamming her forehead against the floor over and over.
Noel's expression shifted instantly. He rushed forward, pulling her into his arms, cradling her, his voice turning impossibly soft.
"Didn't I tell you never to hurt yourself, no matter what? Why don't you ever listen? It kills me to see this."
"Forget it. You're too kind and innocent for your own good. I'll just have to protect you more."