Chapter 24 Revelations
+25 BONUS
The threat landed precisely. Dad’s face went from red to white, his business reputation being his most prized possession.
“You wouldn’t dare-”
“Try me.” Kyle’s voice remained perfectly level. “One phone call, Mr. Hawthorne. That’s all it would take to start your downfall. Remember that the next time you think about threatening my wife.”
He turned to me then, his expression softening fractionally. “Let’s go.”
The drive home passed in thick silence. Questions burned in my throat, fighting to be asked.
Finally, as we pulled into our driveway, I couldn’t hold back anymore.
“Why?” The word came out barely above a whisper. “Why did you do that?”
Kyle’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “It’s what a husband should do.”
The words hit like physical blows. I felt my breathing quicken, my eyes burning. “Don’t.” My voice cracked. “Don’t you dare talk about what a husband should do. In the past three years, you’ve never-”
The words stuck in my throat. 2
Kyle sat in silence, no defense offered.
