Page 317 of Hateful Games

So, we took matters into our own hands and threatened the local gangs to stay away. Our reputation preceded us and they knew to heed our warnings. The picture is of my dad taking back the money to return to the rightful owner.

However, the problem lies in itself.

While our ruthless reputation helps in certain matters like dealing with thugs, it also creates problems with the so-called authorities. They’ve been after us for a very long time. Upon seeing this, they’ll believe the likes of Mihir. It will spiral and lead to our board voting against us.

How could my father be so irresponsible?

“Who took these?” is out of my mouth before I can stop it.

Mihir smirks. “Rosalie.”

Everything incriminates her, the proof laid before me, but my stupid black heart is jumping to give her the benefit of the doubt. I just know I’m missing a piece.

“How does it feel being brought down to your knees, Nova?” taunts Mihir. “Your father will teach you how to lick your wounds like he’s been doing all these years.”

The latch on my controlled wrath shatters and I lurch out of my chair, grabbing his throat across the desk. Before I can land a punch, I’m harshly pulled back.

“Calm down, son,” says my dad. “This isn’t over. Let him come at us.”

“Do whatever the hell you want,” I sneer. “You aren’t touching what belongs to me. And that includes my wife. I don’t believe a word you said. Rose would never betray me.”

He rubs his neck and taunts, “Oh yeah?”

My gaze draws to a paper he throws down with a resounding slap on the desk. Reflexively, I pick it up.

He delivers the ace up his sleeve.

“This is the contract Rosalie had drawn when she returned from London. A week living with you was enough to make her decide she never wanted to spend the rest of her life with you. A wise choice. In exchange for spying, I would set her up to be financially independent with a trust fund for the rest of her life while helping to annul your marriage. The court will take one look at the contract she signed as a minor when she was sixteen and declare the marriage null and void. I gave her the contract this morning. You’ll be hearing from the lawyer soon.”

My vision blurs.

Every revelation tightening the invisible noose around my neck.

Still believe she loves you? my mind taunts.

Mihir stands from his chair, straightening his tie. “I’m sure you both can find your way out. You have until tomorrow to say goodbye to the D’Cruz legacy.”

I shrug off my dad’s grip and turn around.

“Don’t,” he warns. “She’s made her choice, Nova.”

“She owes me answers.” I throw my car keys to him. “You can drive back.”

The deserted hallway of her wing of the house haunts me with every step as I stride closer to her bedroom. I remember it all. The wall I pushed her against, tasted her lips for the first time, and felt her leaning into my touch.

Every second is painted and etched into my psyche.

The inside of her bedroom is the same as the first time I entered it, but vacant. The bookshelves with sliding glass doors are empty of her books. The room is scarce but her exotic scent lingers. Her belongings are at our place, where I thought we’ll be building our life together, but not anymore.

She’s leaving me after ripping out my heart.

Not closing the door, I walk and sit in the same chair I sat on ten years ago. Resting my elbows on my knees, I stare straight ahead and wait for her.

The semblance of control I garnered vanishes when she appears in the doorway. Gorgeous red hair falling in rivulets and framing her pretty face. Cold and emotionless coal-black eyes meet my still hopeful ones.

In a flash, I’m on her.

I cup her cheeks with both hands and hoarsely beg, “Don’t play with my heart like this, Rose. Why are you doing this? What the hell does he have on you? Just fucking tell me so I can fix it.”

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