Page 49 of My Ruthless Husband

“Try what? Denying it or defending myself? You should’ve asked me before you ran. You made your choice now live with it.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Life’s not fair.”

“At least tell me why you married me. It’s painfully obvious it wasn’t because you wanted to. It can’t be because of my dad’s business—you’re at his level now. So why?”

I touch my rings. “Marriage is a promise, a commitment. It’s a promise to love each other always. And a little more on days you can’t love yourself.” My voice trembles as I continue, “I never thought I could ever have something like that. But then I met you and I started dreaming. I started hoping to have those dreams come true. I’ve never wanted anything as much as I’ve wanted a fairytale ending with you, Damian. I thought I had it when we got married. But now, suddenly, I find evidence that suggests all my dreams, my hopes, even my love—was a lie. Don’t I deserve to at least know why? Or if you did this to me?”

Pushing to his feet, he walks over to the floor to ceiling window. “That’s where you went wrong, angel. Dreaming of a perfect life when that kind of thing doesn’t exist.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because it’s the truth. We can’t always have what we want. Life has a way of making sure we remember that.” His tone turns bitter.

“I don’t believe that. I think if we want something in life, we can achieve it.”

“Then I must be the exception.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“You have to, damn you!” I cry out. Wrenching the drip from my arm, I get off the bed and go to him. Blood drips down my arm and onto the floor. I stumble a bit, stopping a few feet away. “Tell me why you’re so jaded. Tell me why you said we can’t have everything we want when you have everything the world has to offer—money, power, everything! Tell me what happened that made you so ruthless? Tell me why you are punishing both of us? Tell me!”

“Because your dad ruined my life!” He roars, his words thundering through me, leaving my world forever altered.

Chapter Fourteen

Past

Itrail behind purposely, navigating the mall among the sea of unfamiliar faces and voices.

I can’t shake the unsettling feeling of being here, surrounded by people I barely know.

A resigned sigh escapes me. How long will I have to be here until I can make an excuse to leave?

I walk slowly, my eyes fixed on the storefronts. The bright displays and warm interiors make it easier to block out the fact that so many people are here.

A smile curls my lips when I spot a cute little mug in one of the displays. It’s pink and has an adorable animated puppy printed over it. The urge to buy it and add it to my little collection is strong.

A wave of nostalgia hits as I remember making such mugs and vases. It’s been so long since I last worked with clay, since I’vebeen in my art studio back home. I used to spend hours there. School has kept me so busy, I’ve hardly had time for anything else.

I’m lost in my thoughts when Skylar snaps her fingers in front of my face, pulling me back to reality.

Her eyes meet mine, blue to my pale greens.

Skylar is dressed in a crop top and a mini skirt. While her friend, Maria, is wearing high-waisted jeans paired with a halter top. The other friend whom I don’t really know is wearing cut off jean shorts and a Gucci tee.

I stand out with my understated outfiy. The A-line midi skirt I’m wearing is in sage green color. Paired it with a white lightweight knit sweater. I opted for ankle boots and have secured my curls in a ponytail.

“River,” Skylar says. “We’re kinda on a roll here. You might wanna speed it up a bit, unless you want us to leave you behind.”

When I blink up in surprise, she laughs. “I’m just kidding. But please hurry up, will you?”

I manage a smile and reply, “Sure, sorry.” I adjust my Chanel crossbody bag and start walking a bit faster, matching their pace.

I don’t blame her for the lack of patience. It’s not like we volunteered for this shopping trip—it’s just one of those things our dads orchestrated. Skylar’s his business partner’s daughter, and he’s always encouraging me to hang out with her and her friends.

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