Chapter 3

3.

The chaotic scene fell into a deafening silence the moment my accusation hit the air.

Zander stood there, stunned, and slowly turned to look at the headstone.

But after just a moment, his expression shifted back to a smug, cynical grin.

"Vanessa, you're getting worse at lying. I've only been gone for two days, and now you're making up stories about our daughter dying just to scare me?"

"Do you think I'm an idiot? Leo was just talking to Yara on the phone last night. And now you're telling me she's dead? Learn to tell a believable lie, for God's sake."

"Whatever, I'm done arguing. Since you're my wife, you'll follow my rules. This plot belongs to Rowan now!"

He barked another order at the worker.

"Go. Finish the transfer paperwork now!"

Two minutes later, the worker tentatively handed the documents to me.

"Ma'am, please sign here."

I raised my hand to rip the paper to shreds.

But Zander was faster. He lunged forward and kicked me hard in the stomach.

As I doubled over, he pulled out a small pocket knife and sliced my thumb.

He pressed my bleeding finger onto the paper, forcing my thumbprint onto the contract.

I glared at him through bloodshot eyes.

"Zander Miller, you disgusting pig. When my father gave me away to you, do you remember what you promised him?! You―"

Before I could finish, another slap landed on my cheek.

"Stop bringing up your damn father. We live in a civilized world now. You think I'm afraid of an old thug like him?"

"I'm telling you, Vanessa, I've stayed with you for way too long. If you hadn't given me a daughter, I would have dumped your trashy self years ago!"

Zander gave me one final, vicious kick to push me aside.

He wrapped an arm around Rowan, took her son's hand, and walked away without looking back.

Over a dead dog, Zander had finally dropped the mask and shown his true face.

He seemed to have forgotten that everything he had today was built on my father's back.

Since he didn't value any of it, I decided I would take it all back.

...

On my way back from the cemetery, Zander actually called me.

His voice was awkward, tinged with a hint of guilt and suspicion.

"Vanessa, I haven't seen Yara in days. Send me a video of her so I can see how she's doing..."

"Fine."

I hung up before he could say another word.

I pulled up an old video of my daughter and hit send.

A second later, his voice message came through.

This time, he sounded much more relaxed.

"That's more like it, Vanessa. Being obedient is what makes a good wife."

"Stop being so jealous and making scenes. You scared Rowan and Leo today. Tomorrow is Leo's birthday. Once we celebrate, I'll come home to see Yara."

"Also, I'm not letting today's behavior slide. You're coming to Leo's party tomorrow. You'll get on your knees and apologize to Rowan in front of everyone. We're going to be seeing a lot of each other, so don't make it awkward..."

"Okay, I'll be there."

I answered with a voice as flat as a dead man's pulse.

Zander was taken aback for a moment, but then he laughed.

"Good, good. I love it when you're reasonable. See you tomorrow."

I stared at the empty house, feeling no attachment to anything left inside, and walked out the door.

Goodbye, Zander.

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