The Unwanted Wife's Last Breath

stay in my room, the one at the far end of the hall,

I see them. Etha

istens in the weak winter sun. He had it built last year. It was supposed to be her wedd

, her blonde hair catching the light. She laughs, a sound that echoes faint

iding in the walls, watching a l

oft knock on my doo

s wearing a beautiful cashmere sweater, looking warm

s honey. "I' m so sorry you had to see

ntment. My father, a man respected by the whole town, always favored her. H

, Gabrielle?" I a

my plain, worn-out dress. "I just

ntally" letting her sleeve ride up. I see them then-faint, silv

ker of triumph appears in her eye

overing her face. "I di

to you?" I ask,

usation. "You know what happened! You told me t

"What man? I don' t know wh

"The man you sent me to on my wedding day! He... he too

you were in love with Ethan, I would have stepped aside. I wou

isonous lie. Before I can even

face a mask of pure fu

s the room and grabs me by the throat, his fingers digging int

knocking the air from my lungs. Gabriell

her. It' s not her faul

He looks from her tear-strea

dangerously low. "From now on, she' s a servant. She will work to