Chapter 26
Jordan was clearly angered by Mary’s brother, yet Kathleen instinctively blamed her.
Mary indifferently looked away and fell silent.
Ralph completely lost patience. “Get out!”
The Thompsons finally fled in panic, leaving the dining room in silence.
Ralph turned and gently cradled Mary’s face. “Did it hurt?”
His fingertips traced her swollen cheek, eyes clouded with guilt. “I arrived too late.”
Mary turned her face aside. “Don’t bother.”
She met his gaze calmly. “There’s nothing left between us.
Ralph’s hand froze mid-air.
After a long pause, he laughed bitterly. “Unless you’re the judge sentencing me to death, as long as I breathe, nothing’s impossible.”
Unable to resist, Mary followed him to the private room upstairs.
Crystal chandeliers bathed the space in soft light.
Ralph pulled out a chair for Mary before sitting opposite her.
Servers promptly brought dishes-all Mary’s favorites.
“Eat something first.”
He ladled soup into her bowl. “You’ve grown thinner.”
Mary stared at the steaming bowl, lips trembling. “Ralph, why pretend? You know I’m worthless to you now.”
“No financial value. No reproductive value.”
Ralph leaned forward intently. “Mary, you’re my only true value.”
0.00%
12:25
Chapter 24
288 iVouchers
Suddenly, he opened a video on his phone.
Footage showed Ralph’s mother in a nursing home.
The wheelchair-bound woman slapped her caregiver, who retaliated by force-feeding her.
Ralph watched impassively, then swiped to another clip.
His sister Katherine Walker and nephew Donald Walker crammed into a dilapidated apartment. Donald yanked Katherine’s hair as she typed frantically, climbing onto her back until she shoved him off with furious screams…
All captured by Ralph’s private investigator.
He met Mary’s eyes heavily. “For years, they drained me like parasites. Layer upon layer of pressure choked me until I transferred it all to you, seeking solace from your wounds.’
“But Mary, I see my error now.”
“1
“Whether they thrive or crumble, I wash my hands of them. Every second I wasted on those leeches, I’ll pour into us-into atoning, rebuilding, and fighting for our future.”
Snapping his fingers, Ralph signaled a server.
A flower-laden cart rolled in, bearing their wedding vows atop the blossoms.
Mary’s mind flashed to their tiny pre-marital apartment, where they’d drafted those promises by lamplight.
Ralph had caught Mary’s spelling mistake back then. Just as she was about to drink three glasses as penalty, he snatched them away, declaring all his wife’s drinks were his to handle.
Scenes flashed through her mind.
Mary’s eyes moistened as she choked out, “It’s too late. The pain I’ve endured these years can’t be undone. I’ve no heart to work on a relationship.”
44.91%
12:25
