Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I was too exhausted for a long speech. I kept it brief.

Gavin leaned against the doorframe, watching the drama like it was a reality show.

"Divorce? You've lost your mind!"

Grant's eyes nearly popped out of his head, but Skylar was thrilled.

"Yes! Divorce is great! Daddy and I like Auntie Jade better anyway!"

Grant quickly covered Skylar's mouth, but it was too late.

Jade Quinn wore a look of quiet triumph.

I stood beside Gavin and looked at the two people who used to be my whole world. Now, they felt like total strangers.

That sharp, dull ache in my chest returned. It wasn't from my injuries. It was deeper.

Grant's expression shifted from anger to a flicker of panic, which he quickly masked with self-righteousness.

"You're talking nonsense! I was in a crisis! Jade is physically weak. You're always preaching about sacrifice and selflessness. What was the big deal about waiting a few extra minutes? Look at you, you're fine!"

His gaze flickered to Gavin, dripping with disgust and jealousy. "And now you're running away to another man's house? You really outdid yourself this time!"

Skylar wrenched her hand free from Grant's. She pouted, her eyes full of resentment toward me. "Exactly! Mom, you're being such a drama queen! Auntie Jade was terrified. Is it wrong for Daddy to care about her? You're always teaching or grading papers. You're always so serious at home. You're nothing like Auntie Jade! We like her. If you want to divorce Daddy over this, then fine! I'll just live with Daddy and Auntie Jade!"

Jade Quinn took a calculated step forward. She wore her signature look of perfect, polite concern. "Giana, please don't misunderstand. Today was an accident. We're all so grateful you pushed Grant and Skylar out of the way. I just had a few scratches. Grant was just worried... Skylar is just a child, she doesn't mean what she says. Don't take it to heart."

Her voice was sweet, but her eyes were like poisoned needles.

"This... isn't really the place to talk. Why don't you come home with us? We're family. We can settle this behind closed doors."

Gavin let out a mocking laugh. He crossed his arms, leaning into the doorway.

"Family? Settle this?"

He dragged out the words with pure sarcasm. "Settle what? Who gets to die first next time there's an accident? Ms. Quinn, right? Your scratches seem to have healed nicely. You've got enough energy to come all the way here and put on a show. What kind of family are you? Are you just here to make sure Giana isn't dead yet so you can finish the job?"

"You!"

Jade's face stiffened.

"You what?"

Gavin didn't back down an inch. "This is my private clinic. You three are screaming and harassing my patient. Should I call the cops for trespassing and attempted assault?"

He turned his sharp gaze toward Grant. "And you, old man. I dragged your wife back from the edge of the grave. Two broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a bruised spleen, and she was going into shock from blood loss. You call that 'waiting a few minutes'? You were murdering your wife with your own ignorance. You know that? Does a teacher's life not matter? Is she just a sacrifice to highlight your little girlfriend's fragility?"

Grant was stunned by the medical terms and the severity of the accusations. His face turned bright red. "You... you're exaggerating! She's standing right there! She's clearly well enough to... to hook up with you!"

"Because I treated her immediately!"

Gavin's voice thundered. "If I had waited another thirty minutes, you wouldn't be here arguing. You'd be signing a death certificate! If I were you, I'd be on my knees thanking God you aren't a widower right now, instead of barking like a rabid dog at the man who saved her!"