“Violet, don’t push it.”

“Push it? You’re my husband now. What, am I not allowed to pay her a visit? If she was so capable, why didn’t she make you come home when you were still together? Now that you’re divorced, she’s suddenly playing the seductress.”

Seeing Victoria heavily pregnant made Violet’s nerves snap.

That shameless woman-Victoria had gone behind her back and gotten herself pregnant. Violet had always thought she was a step ahead, but clearly, Victoria was the one with the deeper game. She’d realized McNeil didn’t want her anymore, so she used the child as leverage to win him back. But Violet wasn’t Victoria, she wouldn’t just roll over like Victoria used to. She was going to make McNeil leave with her, no matter what.

McNeil’s voice was icy cold. “I don’t hit women, but don’t cross the line. Violet, that wedding between us meant nothing. From the very start, it was just to fulfill your wish, not mine.”

Victoria shot them both a frosty stare. “If you two want to put on some twisted lovers’ drama, do it in your own home. Don’t come here and pollute my space. McNeil, take your woman and get out.”

She stood and headed to her bedroom. McNeil was already dragging Violet out the door.

Violet fought back, shouting, “Victoria, quit hiding like a coward. If you’ve got the guts, come at me head-on instead of scheming in the dark! Stealing someone else’s husband-how dignified of you!”

McNeil pulled Violet out into the hallway, his expression stone-cold and remote.

“You done?”

Violet glared at him. “No. Come back to Starfall City with me.”

A nerve ticked in McNeil’s jaw.

“That’s enough. You have three minutes to disappear, and don’t ever come back.”

Violet let out a disbelieving, bitter laugh.

“This is how you treat me? Don’t forget, I’m your wife.”

McNeil’s voice dropped, razor-sharp. “Who gave you that right?”

He pulled out his phone. “Come upstairs,” he said into the receiver.

Violet stared at him, aghast. “What are you doing?”

“Sending you back where you belong. You’re out on bail, not acquitted. I’ve already called the Starfall City police-they’ll take you back to county lockup until your trial. Even Simms can’t get you out this time.”

Violet looked at him, shattered. “McNeil, how can you be so ungrateful? Did you forget I once saved your life? This is how you repay me?”

McNeil’s eyes were glacial, utterly devoid of warmth.

“The only reason I put up with you for so long the only reason I looked the other way and gave you things that should have belonged to my wife, things she cherished-was because you saved my life, and you gave Randy a few more years. I’ve told you before: what we had was just childhood companionship, not love. I’ve paid back your kindness a hundred times over. If you still think it’s not enough, you’re welcome to come and take my life whenever you please.

Violet, my life’s a mess, and my family’s in ruins all because I felt obligated to repay you. That’s my cross to bear, and I accept it. But from the moment I gave you that wedding, you should have known-I don’t owe you anything anymore.”

He finally said the words Violet least wanted to hear, though she’d known them deep down all along.

He’d bought the house on Winding Peak Lane for her, but never spent a single night there—not once had he crossed the line between man and woman. He gave her everything she wanted: money, jewelry, resources, even that wedding.

But he never touched her. Wouldn’t even kiss her.

Violet’s pride crumbled; her voice turned pleading, tears streaming down her face.

“No, no, it’s not like that, McNeil. I know you really do love me, you’re just afraid to admit it.”

McNeil looked at her, something merciless in his eyes.

“If a man never lays a hand on you, if he’s always proper and distant, then the answer’s simple-he doesn’t love you. No matter what he gives you, it has nothing to do with love. A man in love is obvious, even when it’s crude; he wants you, he wants you all the time, can’t keep his hands to himself. I have children with Victoria—more than one.

venet

Even so, you still think I love you and not her? Violet, love and indifference are weighed in my heart. With Victoria, can’t keep my hands off her. I want her so badly I lose control. With you-it’s never been there. Not even a flicker of desire.”

McNeil’s words came hard and slow, each one stabbing into Violet’s heart like a needle.

She couldn’t accept it. “No, that’s not true… We could try tonight. You’ll see, you’ll like it, I promise…”