Marcus showed up at my door just as I’d finished showering and was about to dry my hair.
He looked me over, then asked coldly, “Can I come in?”
I didn’t answer, just turned around and walked inside.
He followed, looked around, then said out of nowhere, “This place hasn’t changed.”
When Marcus and I first got together, he was still the most unwanted illegitimate son in the Laurence family–looked down on by everyone, treated like dirt.
It wasn’t until news of our relationship reached both families that his father’s attitude finally started to change.
Even though my parents were completely against it, I still chose to be with him.
During that time, when I was at odds with my family, we lived together in this house. He used to cook for me, plan little surprises, take care of me day and night when I was sick, and he even swore to love me forever…
My thoughts drifted back.
Marcus gave me a long once–over, and it wasn’t until he noticed the dark brown and bluish bruises on my skin that he finally frowned and asked, confused, “Why do you have so many scars?”
I laughed at myself and turned to him.
“You really think life in there was peaceful?
“They saw me as a rich girl who’d fallen from grace, so of course they did everything they could to humiliate me. If I didn’t do what they said, they’d beat me until I couldn’t stand.
“These past eight years, I’ve lost count of how many times I was beaten.
“Every time it happened, I’d think about seeing you and Kyler after getting out, and then the pain wouldn’t feel so bad.
“But Marcus, you’re a heartless monster. And the son I nearly died giving birth to is exactly like you.
Marcus’s eyes narrowed at my words, his expression shifting into something complicated–guilt and pain.
He let out a long sigh.
“Elie and Kyler came to me in tears today, saying you bullied them.
“I know you’re angry, but if you want someone to blame, blame me. I’m the one who caused all of this.
“Kaia, I’m grateful you served those eight years for me, and I thank you for giving birth to Kyler
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Chapter 4
“But I’ve already wronged you, I can’t do the same to Elic.
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“Your family went bankrupt, your parents are gone, you’re no longer the high–and–mighty heiress you used to be.
“I’m willing to let you stay on as Mrs. Laurence, living a carefree and comfortable life, but I have nothing else to give you.”
I snorted and slowly stepped up to him.
“Nobody cares about being your precious Mrs. Laurence.
“Marcus, I want a divorce.”
My voice was as calm as still water, but the moment Marcus heard it, he lost his composure.
He froze, then shouted, “Don’t even think about it!
“Kaia, how can you be so ungrateful?
“You have a criminal record, and with your family gone bankrupt, you’ve got no one left to back you. If you divorce me, you’ll lose everything. You might even end up on the street.
“And when that day comes, even if you beg me, I won’t give you another chance.”
His eyes burned red as he grabbed my chin tightly, grinding out his words, “You lost the right to throw tantrums a long time ago.
“If you were smart, you’d use my guilt to live comfortably.
“I promise you–leave me, and your life will be a living hell.”
Then, Marcus shoved me aside and stormed out like he was running away.
I stared after him, finding it ridiculous.
I murmured to myself, “My life’s already been a living hell.”
The next second, Marcus’s assistant appeared at my door, polite and emotionless.
“Mrs. Laurence, Mr. Laurence asked me to pass along a message.
“You picked up Kyler today because you still love him. Because you don’t want to lose him.
“But if you proceed with this divorce out of spite, Mr. Laurence will ensure you never see your son again.
“From this day forward, Kyler will no longer have a mother.”
Then he turned and left.
No hesitation. No shame. Just like Marcus.
I stared after him for a long moment–then I laughed. Low, bitter, quiet.
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Chapter 4
I picked up my phone, booked a one–way flight out of New York, and called my lawyer.
“Draft the divorce papers. Send them to Marcus at the Laurence Group.”
I paused.
Then added, voice clear and steady for the first time in years: “And pass along a message for me.”
“Tell Marcus…
“I don’t want Kyler. I don’t want him, either.
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“The biggest mistake of my life was falling in love with him. I’ll just consider those years of deep affection complete- ly wasted.
“From now on, we are nothing. Tell him I never want to see him again–not alive, not dead.”
