Chapter 10
Truman stepped protectively in front of Trina, his eyes narrowing at Cyril. “Haven’t you said enough he snapped, his patience wearing thin.
Cyril’s presence felt like ice, chilling the air around them as he growled, “Stay the hell out of this”
Trina placed a gentle hand on her brother’s shoulder, signaling him to back off. She turned to face Cyril, her voice calm but cold. “What exactly do you want me to explain?”
Cyril’s gaze never left her, his chest rising and fall
falling as he tried to control his anger. “We need to talk. AloneTM
Truman was‘ having it. “She has nothing to say to you,” he said, reaching for Trina’s arm.
But after a brief pause. Trina turned to her brother. “It’s fine. Go home, Truman
“Trina,” Truman said, his voice full of concem, clearly reluctant to leave her alone,
“It’s okay,” she reassured him, shooting a glance at Cyril, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Mr. Banks Fin’t about to kidnap me, is he?”
Truman hesitated, then sighed. “Alright. 111 he waiting for you at home”
bace they were alone, Trina tumed to face Cyril, her expression unreadable: “Well, we’re alone now. What do you want to say?”
Cyril’s voice was intre accusation than question. Home! You’re living with him?”
Trina’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “Yeah. That’s right.
His eyes darkened, its clenched at his sides. “So you just couldn’t wait, huht Barely divorced and you’re already shacking up with him!”
The bite in his words cut deep, but Trina welcomed the pain. She wanted him to think the worst of her, to lash out. It would make it easier to sever whatever was left between thein.
“That’s right ka’t that who I’ve always been?” Trina shot back, her words sharp, cutting them both.
“Did you think I married you for love? Please, I married you because of your status.” She trampled on her own feelings, desperately hoping he’d ser through her lie.
Cyril, reeling from the successive blows of “living together” and “gold–digger,” barely registered her sarcasm. His eyes blazed with burn and anger. “So that’s it Trina! You’ve found a better catch! Rushed to divorce me so you could be with that pretty man‘
Trina felt a cold ache spread from her chest to her fingertips. Of course, he had never truly cared about her. She was just a disposable accessory to him.
She spat back, “Exactly! I love that he’s rich and attentive. That he makes time for me. That he doesn’t treat me like I’m invisible!”
She softened her tone mockingly. ‘Is that answer satisfactory, Mr. Blanks!”
Cynd shook his head, disappointment etched across his face. I never knew you could sink so low, Trina”
Trina laughed bitterly, tears threatening to spill. “Low! You’re only realizing this now! Too bad you didn’t figure it out years ago. You could have avoided marrying me altogether.
As Cyril’s rage reached its peak, he suddenly let out a cold laugh. “I’m curious. If you’re so desperate to climb the social ladder, why settle for second–best! Isn’t being Mrs. Hanks better than being Truman’s mistress?”
He’d investigated Truman’s background. While Truman’s noble birth was surprising, it hardly interested him – after all, the Banks family was equally prestigious, putting them on par in terms of status.
What intrigued him more was Truman’s personal life. As it turned out, it was quite colorful. Being a top celebrity. Triaman had more scandals than work–related news. He couldn’t fathom why Trina would be interested in such a man.
Trina challenged, “Mr. Blanks, did you forget what 1 just said?”
Cyril’s voice rose in frustration. “Just because he pays attention to you? Is that really what you want, Trina?” He snarled, “Can’t you see he’s just playing with you! His scandals are endless. He’ll never truly care for you.”
“So what if he’s a player?” “Trina shot back, her eyes flashing. “At least his false kindness is better than your genuine cruelty! He’s never hurt me or
made me sifer”
She advanced on Cyril, her voice rising with each steps, “Who forced me to donate blood for years! Who treated me like a disposable resource, disregarding my health! Who used my blood to save another woman!”
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Chapter 10
“Did you ever truly see me as your wife?” she asked, her voice cracking. “I gave you everything, and what did I get in return? Your cold indifference and Lisa’s well–being and happiness”
Her voice cracked as she delivered her final blow. “I was afraid I’d end up dead if I stayed with you any longer?”
Even our child would never have a chance to be born, she continued inwardly. Her hand unconsciously drifted to her stomach, to the tiny life growing within–now her only anchor.
Cynl stood frozen, the color draining from his face as the full weight of his neglect crashed down on him.
Memories of the hospital flashed before his eyes – bags of blood, still warm from Trina’s body. He could almost see the pain in her eyes as he’d turned away, time after time.
“1—” he began, his voice a bit hoarse after the long silence
Trina interrupted him, her voice icy. “That’s enough. If you have any shred of conscience left, do me a favor–for the sake of whatever feelings I had for you–and just leave me the hell alone.”
She turned to leave, but Cyril called out, “What about Clarissa? How long have you been hiding that?”
Trina laughed coldly over her shoulder. “Does it matter now! Figure in out yourself, Mr. Know–It–AIL”
wait Cyril shouted. “You can’t be with Truman”
A wave of sorrow washed over Trina. Her voice, when she spoke, was devoid of emotion. “My life is no longer any of your business, Cyril
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