Page 105 of Dirty Husband
"So why are you doing this to her?"
"She's getting what she wants too. Her father—"
He nods, understanding immediately. She wants her father to die happy. Believing a lie. The same way our mother did. "Lizzy believes you two reconnected after all this time. She hates how much she loves it. She's still not a big fan of yours."
"I imagine."
His chuckle dissolves the tension in his shoulders. But only for a second. His jaw tightens as soon as he speaks. "I won't let on that you're… what, paying her to marry you?"
"It's the best tool I have."
He nodstrue. "And I won't let on that… whatever it is you're doing to win his favor."
"I don't want his favor."
"You do. And that's all he'll ever think. That he's still controlling you. Because he is."
My fingers curl into fists.
"The only way you'll get out from under it is if you stop playing this game. If you admit it to yourself. Deal with what that means."
"I've spent the last year dealing with what that means. Thanks for taking the only thing that helped."
He raises a browhave you?"Like you said. We've had this conversation before. I won't put you through it again."
That's clearly not the case.
He continues. "I'll say one thing."
"Yes?"
"You should tell Jasmine. She deserves to know. And she's a smart woman. She'll find out sooner or later."
She won't. That won't happen. It's out of the question.
"It's better if she hears it from you. Otherwise… it's another way he can control you."
"I appreciate the advice."
He shakes his headwe both know that's bullshit, but he still offers his hand. "Shall we?"
I shake my head. "I need a minute."
He nods, looks to the table, making sure the drinks are empty.
Asshole.
I don't even bother to curse him as he leaves. I just pick up a glass and hurl it at the fucking wall.
It shatters into pieces on the ground. Tiny bits of glass that will cut anyone who tries to help.
Tiny bits of glass that can never be put back together again.
Fuck Nick. Fuck him more for being right.
I won't tell her. I won't let her find out.
I can't protect her from much, but I can protect her from this. And I will.
