Rejection's Fury: A Wife's Return

awford mansion, the head housekeepe

ck..." Martha started,

Aliana said, her voice flat. She ha

n the doorway. The scene inside was like a perfe

shoulder. His mother, Cecil Porter, sat opposite them, beaming with approval

d, jumping up as if she' d bee

aid, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "My car b

just don't know their place. Damien, you

eautiful emerald bracelet. It was a Crawford f

ce syrupy. "This belongs to the future

d, feigning modesty, but her eyes

table. "Mom, Aliana an

y one worthy of being your wife. Look at her, so elegant.

Aliana, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. I sh

readable. She stopped in front of Hadley

he took Hadley's delicate, manicured hand and sl

her own hands, at the callouses and small scars from years

id, stepping back.

rned t

ut, finally realizing what day

grabbing her arm. "I was going to come

na said, not l

ded, his voice rising in frustration. "It's j

mother," Aliana said, her t

rd'. The sudden formality of 'your mother' wa

g. "Are you throwing a tantrum because I was late? After

ngerously low. She finally turned to face him, and her eyes were

dare try to guilt me with that. I owe you, I

five years of her selfless devotion, was the

e torn pieces of the marriage license applic

r voice trembling slightly.

rom her fingers, scattering

nt anything fro

little drama will change anything? You thin

ford? Fine. But don't you ever pull a stunt like this again.

He still thought she was the same we

Damien," she said, her vo

y?" he growled,

m straight in the eye. "And go take care of Hadley. She lo

oosened. He felt a strange unease, a flicker of s

amatic. She'd get ove

y in your room and cool off. I'll cal

living room, back to Hadley, no

go. A bitter smil

You won't have my nu

d she had finally dec