Page 89 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

Horror twists his features.

He looks destroyed.

A trembling hand drags through his hair.

For long minutes, he says nothing, incapable of making a sound. The pain radiating from him is almost tangible. And when he finally manages to speak again, it isn’t a question that leaves his mouth.

“That’s why you didn’t come back to me after you woke up… Because I let Bianca into my life. Because you thought I could’ve been part of it.”

I don’t answer.

His hands cover his face.

“Fuck…”

One single word. And an entire part of his life collapses with it.

He stays motionless. Not frozen. Just incapable of processing what he’s just heard.

When he finally speaks again, his voice sounds altered. Almost fragile.

“She cried while saying your name. I thought she understood my grief… and all that time…”

His voice breaks.

He doesn’t need to finish.

I want to comfort him, but I no longer have the strength.

“I’m sorry.”

Slowly, he lowers his hands and looks at me with confusion.

As though he’s no longer sure what exactly I’m apologizing for.

“Why are you sorry?”

“For you and Bianca.”

A hollow laugh escapes him.

“You really think I’m worried about Bianca right now?”

At last, his anger breaks through.

“I’m furious that I let myself be manipulated. Right now, all I want is to drag her to the police myself for what she did to you.”

He believes me.

The pressure crushing my chest finally loosens. I can breathe again.

Slowly, he rises, walks around the desk, and crouches in front of me.

His hand lifts toward my face. Hesitates. Then gently wipes away a tear from my cheek.

Only then do I realize I’m crying.

But what truly destroys me is his skin against mine. Because he’s touching me gently. And my entire body responds to that touch.