Chapter 3

3

I still remembered the utter disdain curling on her lips when she saw them back then.

Later on, without my knowledge, she had packed up every single one of those outfits and donated them to a thrift drive.

The automated clinic voice called the next ticket number, pulling me back to reality.

I glanced up at the department sign: "Obstetric and Gynecological Ultrasound."

A sharp, mocking smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "Congratulations. Looks like your love child is on the way."

Before either of them could process my words, I pushed past them into the surgical consultation room.

The orthopedic procedure went smoothly, saving my mobility just in time.

Kendra did come by my recovery room once.

Instead of showing concern, she complained that I had exaggerated my injury and kept her in the dark.

Faced with my total silence, her temper flared.

"Your leg wasn't even amputated, Shawn. Is it really necessary to act like a drama queen?"

"I came all the way here to check on you. What more do you want from me?"

She stormed out of the private ward and never returned.

Whatever lingering attachment I had left vanished entirely, solidifying my resolve to walk away.

My recovery progressed remarkably well, and I was discharged after four days.

When I arrived at the dance studio to gather my personal belongings, I found my private office completely overhauled.

My clean, minimalist workspace had been turned into a gaudy lounge filled with pastel streamers and velvet pillows.

"Oh, sorry about this," Ashton said, leaning against the doorframe with a smug grin. "Kendra said public backlash against you is too harsh right now. She wants you to stay home and rest indefinitely."

Staring at his gloating expression, the patience I had maintained for years finally snapped.

I stepped forward and landed a sharp, ringing slap across his cheek.

"Stop trying to provoke me," I said coldly. "No matter how much you bark, Kendra and I still have a legally binding marriage certificate."

Ashton clutched his reddened face in disbelief, tears welling up instantly in his eyes.

Right on cue, Kendra pushed through the gathering crowd, her face twisted with fury.

She grabbed my wrist with bruising force.

"Apologize to Ashton right now!"

I met her glare and laughed softly. "Does he deserve an apology? Since when does a lawful spouse apologize to the mistress?"

Kendra's expression darkened with rage, and she struck me across the face with all her strength.

The force sent me crashing to the floor, my surgical knee slamming violently against the hard tiles.

The healing incision ripped open, sending a blinding wave of agony through my skull that made me curl into a tight ball.

Her eyes were bloodshot with fury as she towered over me, her voice trembling with cold venom.

"You know damn well how this marriage started. That paper is something I gave you, and I can tear it up whenever I want."

"Think carefully before you act out again. Your mother's medical care is still in my hands."