Page 165 of My Ruthless Husband

“Why did you fire her anyway? Was it because she left my side for a few minutes at the community center that day? Come on—”

“She didn’t tell me about Melissa.”

The blood drains from my face. “I-I told her not to…”

He leans in, his voice a low growl. “She answers to me. She should’ve reported any threat to my wife. She didn’t, so she’s unfit to be your bodyguard. She’s lucky I only fired her.”

I grab the front of his t-shirt, desperate to make him understand. “It wasn’t her fault, Damian! I wanted to tell you about Melissa myself. That’s why I came to your office that day, but you didn’t care. You were more interested in bending me over your desk than listening to a word I said!” My voice cracks with the frustration. “I was angry, so I left, and then you dragged me home, and we never got the chance to talk.”

He says nothing, his eyes unreadable.

“You barely left our bedroom. When would she have had the chance to talk to you?

“She could’ve told Hal.”

“And have him interrupt our sexathon? You made it clear no one was to disturb us!”

Damian’s silence only fuels my frustration. “She’s good at her job, Damian. She saved me that day. When Melissa dropped those drinks, Vicky was the one who tackled the tray before it could hit me.” My voice drops to a whisper. “She’s the only one who’s looked out for me.”

Still, nothing. His expression is a cold, unreadable mask.

I step back. “Who am I even pleading with?” My voice shakes. “When have you ever done anything I’ve asked for?” Shaking my head, I turn and run, tears burning my eyes as I head for the library.

I sit in silence, heartbroken. Except for Summer, Vicky was the only one who really cared for me. She understood me. Now, with her gone, I feel like Damian has pushed me back into the cold void of isolation.

An hour passes or maybe two, I don’t know. I’m just glad to be left alone.

As the sun sinks lower, casting long shadows across the room, a soft knock breaks the stillness. I don’t bother to turn; I’m too numb.

The door creaks open, and someone steps in, placing a tray of snacks on the table beside me.

“Take it away. I’m not hungry,” I say flatly.

But the figure doesn’t budge. My irritation spikes. “Didn’t you hear me? I said—” My protest fades as I finally look up.

It’s Vicky, standing there with her hands clasped behind her back, a warm smile spreading across her face.

In an instant, I’m on my feet, wrapping her in a tight embrace. She laughs softly, squeezing me tightly in return.

“Vicky! You’re back!”

She nods, a hint of pride in her eyes. “Mr. Montgomery personally called me and insisted I return.”

“Damian called you?” I blink, incredulous.

She nods again, grinning now. “Although it was rather abrupt and I received a long warning, I’m happy to be back. More than that, watching Hal’s face was priceless.”

We share a laugh. But then the laughter fades. “I’m really glad you’re back,” I admit, my voice earnest.

“I’m glad too. We missed you at the art festival,” she says, her expression softening.

“You went?” I ask, a twinge of regret twisting in my stomach.

“I did. It was fun, but it wasn’t the same without you. Everyone missed you,” she replies, her words tinged with sadness.

I sigh, wishing I could have been there. “I’m just relieved it all went well. Everyone worked so hard.”

“Yes,” Vicky agrees, her tone shifting. “I have something for you from Matt.”

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