Chapter 14
Lavender had already expected that her parents wouldn’t stand up for her–but she never imagined they’d stoop this low.
“Oh, she’s just young and doesn’t know any better? Really?
“Cyanne was born just a few hours after me. Does that make her a child and me an adult who’s supposed to forgive everything she does?
“Mom, we’re both women. If you think what she did is forgivable, then I sincerely hope life pays you back with the same kindness.”
Just a few words, and Lavender had already ignited her parents‘ fury.
Stan snapped, “Enough! What’s done is done. There’s no point arguing over who’s right or wrong now.
“Lavender, I’ll give you one more chance. Cut ties with that old man next to you. Come home with Desmond and live properly. We can pretend none of this ever happened.
“And you can still be Daddy’s good girl.”
Once upon a time, Lavender might’ve wanted to be that. Now, the words just made her stomach turn.
She felt sick.
“Dad, your ‘good daughter‘ has always been Cyanne. The whole Winslets clearly adore her. I won’t get in your way anymore.
“If I’m so unwelcome here, then from now on, I’m cutting ties with this family.
“From now on, we’re strangers. I’m no longer your daughter, and you’re no longer my parents.”
The room fell silent. No one expected her to actually sever ties.
Desmond grabbed her arm, trying to reason with her. “Avy, I know you’re angry, but don’t be impulsive. You’ve always relied on your parents, and after marriage, you relied on me. Without us, how are you going to survive?”
She gave his hand a disgusted glance, then yanked her arm free, wiping where he touched her with a tissue until her skin turned red.
“Desmond, stop putting yourself on a pedestal.
“Everything I’ve worn, everything I’ve eaten–I earned with my own two hands. Without any of you, I’ll live even better.
“You? Cheaters like you deserve to be hit by a car the moment you step outside!”
Stunned, Desmond sneered. “Avy, I really underestimated you.
“You married me three years ago. Whether this marriage ends or not is not for you to decide.
“I don’t care where you’ve been these past few days or who you’ve been with. We can pretend it didn’t happen. But from now on, you’re mine again!”
Chapter 13
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Lavender’s heart froze. He was out of his mind.
“You’re crazy!”
She struggled to pull away, but he was stronger, and she couldn’t break free.
48%
Roy started to step forward, but the Winslets’s bodyguards suddenly blocked him. Desmond turned to Lavender’s parents. “Dad. Mom. Sorry for the trouble today. I’ll be taking Avy home now.”
“Desmond, we’re divorced! This is illegal detainment–I can sue you!”
He was always known for being calm and composed. This was the first time he showed this side of himself.
But her parents were still fuming from her earlier declaration.
“Let him take her,” Stan said coldly. “We haven’t disciplined her properly over the years. Let him deal with her temper.”
Seeing that Lavender was about to be dragged away, Roy finally raised his voice. “Ma’am Lavender is now Sir Roy Ralston’s fiancée! If you go through with this, you’re going against the entire Ralstons!”
But even though he revealed the truth, no one heard it.
Desmond loosened his tie and used it to bind Lavender’s restless wrists.
Just when she felt completely hopeless, a gunshot shattered the air.
Then came Desmond’s cry of pain. Soon, he collapsed.
He flung Lavender aside in agony, but before she could fall, Red caught her firmly in his
arms.
“The Hacketts dare try and steal from me? Today, I’m only taking your leg. Next time? Dare again, and I’ll take your life!”
