“I don’t care whose strings you pulled to get into FY, but if you ever betray me, I promise you’ll pay for it.”
Jonathan’s words were cold as steel, but he still held out the bouquet toward
Niamh.
“This time, I bought red roses–since you clearly don’t like pink ones. And you don’t have to compare yourself to Marina all the time. She got into FY because she’s talented. It’s normal you can’t measure up, and honestly, I don’t need a wife who’s too accomplished.”
When Niamh didn’t take the flowers, Jonathan shoved the bouquet into her arms and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, steering her into the suite.
That gesture made Niamh freeze.
She quickly tried to hand the flowers back, twisting away.
Jonathan didn’t give her the chance.
He pinned her to the wall and tried to kiss her.
Niamh fought back, desperate and fierce.
In Jonathan’s memory, she’d never resisted him like this before.
“Jonathan, I’ve already asked for a divorce! You can’t do this t
e!”
Hearing the word “divorce” from her lips again, Jonathan’s face fell.
“This little stunt is getting old, Niamh. I’m not getting a divorce. It’s your duty as my wife to satisfy my needs.”
He’d told her that more than once.
Being a housewife was her job.
So was letting him use her when he wanted.
Niamh still remembered the night she lost her baby–how Jonathan had thrown the word “duty” at her to force himself on her.
After that, her child was gone.
Smack!
The penthouse suite fell silent.
1/2
Chapter 40
Jonathan had no idea how Niamh’s hand even connected with his face–he only felt the sting spreading across his cheek.
He stared at her, stunned, as she glared at him with eyes burning bright and red–rimmed.
Niamh’s skin was pale as porcelain, flushed now with fury. She stood tall, chin raised, defiance and fire blazing in her gaze.
“I’m not playing games, Jonathan. If you need someone to take your anger out on,
find your Marina. Don’t touch me!”
go
Niamh shouted, her voice raw and hoarse.
Jonathan looked at her for a long moment, the corner of his mouth twitching in a
careless smile.
That smile made something twist painfully inside Niamh’s chest.
He pulled out his phone and made a call, his lips still curled in that infuriating, charming smirk.
“Jonathan?”
He put the call on speaker.
Marina’s sweet voice drifted through the room.
“Didn’t you say you had a business dinner tonight? Why are you calling?”
“Dinner’s over. Just wanted to see what you’re up to,” Jonathan replied, eyes never leaving Niamh.
Niamh’s face drained of color.
“I’m just doing a face mask,” Marina answered cheerfully.
“So you’ve already showered, then?”
Jonathan’s tone was casual, but the implication was clear–he knew her nightly routine all too well.
To Niamh, the words dripped with innuendo.
Jonathan and Marina chatted a little longer, but Niamh barely heard a word.
“I’ll be over in a bit,” Jonathan said, ending the call.
He walked out without another glance at her, leaving the door open behind him.
11.321
”
Chapter 40
Now the penthouse was empty, except for Niamh–her clothes askew, red roses crushed underfoot.
She sank to the floor, hugging her knees, her chest tightening until she could hardly breathe.
Her hands were shaking. The phone buzzed on the carpet beside her.
…Hello?” she managed, picking it up and forcing her voice steady.
Chapter 41
