The Substitute Wife Escapes Her Gilded Cage

v

before a thunderstorm. I moved through the rooms like a sleepwalker, my body present but

ted pa

he journals I used to write poetry in before Marcus told me it was a waste of time. I packed them into a sma

re you

ing his cuffs. He looked impeccable, his face untouc

ice was steady. It was amazing how easy it

He didn't care

watch in the mirror. "The business is deman

as he had justified the unanswered ca

I said. "I

ooked at me, frowning slightly

ys. My period was late. But I looke

t ti

ven glance at the screen. He answered it, his voice dropping an

aid after hanging up. "Your fa

to go," I st

bed my arm, firmly guiding me out of the r

n my father.

handed me a box wra

"It's a late birthday gift. I didn't

lt like it weighed a thousand pounds. H

The sarcasm was thick on my tong

ere the long table was set with crystal and china. The air

e Izzy was standing by the fireplace. They didn't touch, but the air b

g a hand on my shoulder. "And this is

was a predator's smi

for you," I said, ext

et glittered inside. It caught

ing past me directly at him. "

there, i

at the head of the table. I was o

e meal turning his

out the main cours

spoon. He scooped a large, su

ripping with affection. "I k

it on Iz

poon, he scooped another pie

he said, not ev

My throat began to clos

shellfish, Marc

ay to his mouth. He looked at m

ce w

said. "Since the d

t. Izzy let out a s

arm. "You're just so busy with the fa

led at her, gratef

eat the side dishes, L

protector. He didn't know me. He didn't care i

hing hers. I saw the look they exchanged-a look of share

I was the shield. I

napkin on

e me,"

k to the floor. I didn't cry. I was done crying. I

did, I was going to make sure he neve