Shannon’s expression changed instantly the moment she heard the footsteps. One second she was smug, the next she looked like she was about to cry. Then she threw herself backward.
The tray flipped, rice and soup spilling all over her body.
She raised her already red hand, trembling, voice soft and pitiful. “Miss McKellar… I know you’re still mad at me. If pushing me makes you feel better, then… I’ll take it. You can do it again if you want.”
I felt sick.
“I didn’t push you,” I said flatly. “You made that up yourself.”
Shannon’s tears fell faster. “If saying that helps you feel better, then… I’ll just say I fell on my own.”
Felix stood behind her.
For a second, I saw it.
That flicker.
Heartache.
For her.
My stomach twisted.
His expression shifted, something dark passing through his eyes, but then he looked at me instead, like he was forcing himself to believe me.
“Danica,” he said slowly, “I trust you. If you two can’t get along, then fine. I’ll send her away right now.”
Shannon froze. “What…?”
Felix’s voice turned cold. “Didn’t you hear me? Pack your shit and leave.”
She looked stunned, biting her lip, holding back tears like she’d been wronged. “O-Okay… I’ll go now.”
“Good,” Felix said, then turned back to me, his tone softening instantly. “Don’t let people like that ruin your mood. I came back early just to spend time with you. Let’s go out, yeah? I’ll take you somewhere nice.”
He took my hand and led me into the dressing room like nothing happened.
Like she didn’t just perform that whole scene.
He picked out a dress himself, matching it with jewelry, his eyes focused like I was the only thing that mattered.
“Change first,” he said. “I’ll go deal with her.”
He walked out.
And I turned on the ring.
His voice came through, completely different now. Gentle. Soft.
“Honey… I’m sorry you had to go through that,” he said quietly. “Seeing her push you like that… it pissed me off.”
I clenched my jaw.
“But it’s part of the plan,” he continued. “She agreed to me sending you away. That means you’re free now.”
Shannon sounded confused. “What do you mean?”
“It means go back to the villa for now,” he said calmly. “After that, you can go wherever you want. You’re not locked up anymore. Just message me when you get back so I know you’re safe.”
Her voice broke, full of emotion. “You’re… you’re so good to me.”
Felix chuckled softly. “You’re my wife. If I don’t take care of you, who the hell will?”