Chapter 87 Shattered Truths
There was even a flicker of regret shimmering in Zacharias‘ eyes. He held tightly onto Anneliese’s hand and lowered his head, about to kiss her fingertips.
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But just before he touched her, Anneliese yanked her hand back. She smiled coldly. “Oh, I get it. To you, this is just mindless coupling between animals, isn’t it?”
“Anneliese, watch your words–that’s incredibly harsh!”
She gave a sharp laugh. “Ha, Zacharias, the way you shirk responsibility is just as ugly. The way you twist your values makes me sick. How blind must I have been to ever fall for a sanctimonious piece of trash like you?”
Her words cut too deep, and Zacharias‘ expression darkened. But he forced himself to rein it in, knowing she was truly angry this time. He told himself he could let her vent as long as it eased her anger.
He let out a weary sigh. “If trampling on my sincerity helps you calm down, then go ahead. As long as you’re happy.”
The way he sounded, as though he was the one tolerating her tantrum, only made it worse. Anneliese looked at him with a cold sneer and said bluntly, “Drop the act, Zacharias. You must have checked the office security footage–you know I heard everything. So don’t stand here pretending to be the devoted husband. It’s disgusting!
“Do you really think tossing aside your stand–in for some so–called true love makes you a saint? That I should fall at your feet in gratitude? What a joke. Save those words for Selina White. Maybe she’ll shed a few crocodile tears for you. With me? Don’t bother.”
Anneliese spared him no dignity, each word slicing through his lies and hypocrisy. She ripped the bandage off their marriage, exposing the rot beneath.
Zacharias‘ fists clenched tight on his knees. In a burst of shame and fury, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. “Anne, when did you learn to eavesdrop? Why hide it all this time? What are you trying to do? Since when did you become so scheming?”
He hated this side of her–unyielding, relentless, refusing to let things go. Did she not realize that tearing away the veil would only wound their marriage? What was the point? They still had a lifetime together ahead of them. A few bumps were nothing to worry about.
If she could only be smart enough to let it slide, people would still envy them as the perfect couple. Out of guilt, he would have made it up to her tenfold. Wouldn’t that have been better?
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14:27 Fri, Sep 5
Chapter 87 Shattered Truths
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“Take your filthy hands off me! Don’t touch me–You make me sick!”
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Anneliese struggled, but Zacharias only tightened his grip. His voice was low and hoarse with anger against her car. “Anne, you’re not a child anymore. Stop being so reckless. You need to think before you speak–some things can be said, and some things, never. Do you understand?”
She hadn’t wanted to waste her tears or anger on someone unworthy, and she thought she had already braced herself to cut ties. Yet facing Zacharias as he scolded her so righteously made her chest tighten with rage. She stopped struggling, only staring at him with cold disgust.
“Of course. If I hadn’t overheard, how else would I know that my husband and my so–called family all teamed up to treat me like a fool for years?
“You all watched me wear myself out pleasing you, pouring out my heart, while you laughed behind my back. Didn’t it feel good, tricking me so easily? Tell me, Zacharias, who’s the one trampling on whose sincerity here?”
His face went pale. Anneliese’s eyes grew red with fury, but there was no sadness in them, only disdain.
Zacharias couldn’t stand the way she looked at him. She had always gazed at him with tenderness, with love, as though he lit up her world. When had it all changed into this?
Guilt, shame, and panic crashed over him, and he couldn’t even bear to hear another word. He cut her off in a rush. “Anne, it’s not what you think-”
“Get out! Let go!” Anneliese no longer wanted to hear a single excuse. She struggled again, unable to bear his touch.
Just then, the door to the private room swung open.
“Anne, Mr. Shaw, you two…”
It was Raven, carrying a tray of dishes.
Zacharias turned grim. “Get out!”
“Zacharias, enough!” Anneliese snapped. “Raven, please, call the police for me.”
But Raven didn’t leave, nor did she call. She set the tray down and hurriedly pleaded, “Mr. Shaw, please calm down. Don’t use your hands. You’ll end up hurting Anne.”
