How was I supposed to maintain my aloof and wealthy image?
Hawkins walked up to me and domineeringly put his arm around my shoulder.
"Maria, didn't I tell you to leave my wife alone?" he said.
Her nose itched, and tears formed in her eyes.
"Hawk, why do you treat me like this? I have already been expelled from the Moore family. I've already paid for my actions." As she spoke, she got worked up and pointed at me. "She doesn't love you at all. She is bitch who cares only for money."
Hawkins' grip on my shoulder tightened, causing a pain.
His face fell, his words dripping with sarcasm. "At least Claire never crosses a line. What about you?"
I smelled something fishy.
Hawkins' words hit a nerve, and Maria covered her face with her hands and cried.
I have always admired those could burst into tears at any time.
While I was perfect in every aspect, tears were not my forte.
Playing the victim was a challenging task for me.
I turned to look at Hawkins and captured sadness in his eyes.
I didn't get it. If he couldn't bear to hurt her, why did he say those harsh words?
"You may leave. Don't come to Claire again. I've already gone easy on you. Don't push it," Hawkins said.
Maria wiped off her tears and declared firmly, "Hawk, I won't give up on you. Although you're turning em away, I'll come to you tomorrow. I'm the one you love. She is just a stand-in!"
I was taken aback by Maria's audacity.
She was more shameless than I had thought.
Maria shot me a resentful glance.
Covering her mouth, she left with a pitiful look on her face.
Hawkins watched her receding figure, sadness and agony gnawing at him.
I cleared my throat and spoke up. "She is gone. Can you let go of me now?"
As soon as he let go, I got out of his arms.
Hawkins regained his composure, being the wild and cool man I was familiar with.
"I don't give a shit about what you had. But please honor the agreement and don't cheat in our marriage," I reminded.
He replied indifferently, "It won't work between me and her."
I didn't believe it.
I could tell by their interaction that Hawkins once was in love with Maria.
But she must have done something that made his affection fade.
Given that the Moore family was affluent, I bet it might involve money.
oreWhat she was unaware was that Hawkins had still been protecting her after what she had done.
Maria was pretty yet had no brains.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have ended up like this.