I had thought my husband was just a cold, serious man. I had accepted it. At least he married me, he came home to me—mated with me. I told myself it was okay that he wasn’t affectionate—that it was just his nature.
But now I know the truth.
He just wasn’t like that with me. He’s cheating on me.
Tears spilled down my face, ruining the makeup I had carefully put on for him. Who else had he been with? Was it just Nalla? Did it include my friends? My sister, Tati?
No…
“It doesn’t matter when,” Simond murmured, pulling her closer. “I belong to you, don’t I? Yes, I mate with her, but only because I imagine it’s you. That’s the only way I can stand touching her. Do you think I enjoy kissing her? Holding her? Pouring myself into her when we have sex?”
I heard Nalla sniffle—crying and expressing himself freely. Meanwhile, I had to cover my mouth to keep from making a sound. Why did I feel like the intruder here? Like I was the mistress hiding in the dark, waiting for scraps of affection?
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.”
My knees gave out, and I slid down against the cold wall, tears falling freely. My hands covered my trembling lips so I won’t sob.