Chapter 2

2

Alaric stumbled into the bedroom, looking disheveled and smelling of expensive gin.

His eyes were glazed, and his movements were erratic. Before I could process his presence, he grabbed my arm and hauled me out of bed.

“Seraphina, what the hell is wrong with you? Why did you act like a crazy woman at the hotel today?”

“Don’t you know Elowen is sick? How can you be so heartless?”

He was aggressive, acting as if he were the one who had been wronged.

There wasn't a hint of guilt on his face. It was as if he’d forgotten I caught him in bed with another woman just hours ago.

He was so arrogant, so sure that I would never leave him because I had loved him so desperately.

But he was wrong.

He didn't realize that when I opened that door, my heart had stopped beating. It felt like an invisible hand was crushing my throat.

I couldn't stop thinking about what they were doing while I was out in the mud and the rain, screaming his name.

When I didn't answer him, his rage flared. He shoved me back against the headboard.

“You made her so sick she had to be hospitalized! Are you happy now? Say something!”

I looked up at him, my gaze level and cold. “Alaric, isn't a divorce what you wanted? You’re already sleeping with her.”

“You used to whisper in my ear that if it weren't for me, you’d be with her. Well, now I’m making it easy for you.”

Alaric blinked, seemingly caught off guard. He probably didn't think I’d remembered his drunken complaints so clearly. He immediately tried to deny it.

“You’re talking nonsense! Elowen and I are just close friends. It’s not some sordid affair.”

“Seraphina, stop being so small-minded!”

He growled, his hand reaching into his pocket. He pulled something out and threw it directly at my face.

“Elowen is so kind she actually told me to buy you a gift to apologize. But you’re just impossible!”

A flash of silver caught the light. I felt a sharp sting on my cheek, followed by the warmth of blood trickling down my skin.

I looked down. A diamond ring was rolling across the hardwood floor.

It was a basic, off-the-shelf design. It was cheap and lacked any thought, much like Alaric’s feelings for me.

Alaric saw the blood and flinched. He stepped forward to touch me, but I pulled away.

For a moment, he actually looked uneasy. His tone softened, but it felt hollow.

“Seraphina, let’s just stop fighting. I’ll overlook what you did today if you promise never to bring up divorce again.”

“I promise, once Elowen is stable, I’ll keep my distance from her.”

I stared at him. This was the first time he had ever lowered his head to me, and yet he was doing it for her.

I wanted to laugh. Her illness was a total sham, and he was using it as a shield.

A wave of exhaustion washed over me. I couldn't stand to look at him for another second.

I turned toward the door, intending to spend the night at my office.

Alaric grabbed my wrist, trying to pull me back. When I didn't budge, his face twisted back into a mask of threats.

“Fine! Walk out that door, Seraphina, and don’t you dare come crawling back!”

I didn't hesitate. I walked out without looking back.

He thought a few harsh words and a threat would bring me to my knees like they always did.

But he was wrong. Alaric, my love for you has officially hit zero.