Page 182 of Bride By Coronation

"Fiona—"

"I said to get out. Get away from me, Kirill. I mean it. I can't right now. Just go. Leave me alone," I insist.

He blinks hard, his eyes glistening. In a helpless voice, he says, "Okay. I'll give you some space. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. But I love you."

"Get out," I repeat, crying harder. "Please."

He reluctantly steps out.

I hit the button. The elevator doors take forever to close. When they finally do, I lean against the wall in the corner and sob. Like always, the elevator moves slowly down to the main floor.

The doors open, revealing the redhead who lives on the floor below us. She's always giving Kirill dirty looks. With a shocked look, she asks, "Honey, are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

She stays planted in front of me. "What did he do to you?"

All the rage I'm feeling comes to a head. I step closer so my face is inches from hers, and snarl, "My husband didn't do anything to me. Mind your own business!"

Fear explodes on her face.

"Get out of my way," I say, pushing past her.

"He did something to you! I know it!" she calls after me.

I drop my bag, spin toward her, and lunge at her inside the elevator.

She backs up to the wall, gasping.

I put my hand on her throat, squeeze, and threaten, "You don't know who you're messing with, lady. Give one more nasty look to my husband or accuse him of something, and I swear to God, I will kill you."

She gasps for breath.

"Blink if you understand," I snarl.

She blinks hard.

I release her, shoot her a death glare, and add, "You're pathetic." Then I step out of the elevator and pick up my bag, rushing toward the exit.

The fresh air doesn't feel much different from the stifling air in the building. I glance around and realize I have no plan and don't know where I'm going. I pull my phone out and make a call.

Zara chirps, "Hey, girl. What's up?"

I cry, "I need you to come get me."

Her voice falls. "Fiona, what's wrong?"

"Please come get me. I need you to come right away," I plead.

"Okay. Don't worry. I have the babies, but Sean's not far from you."

"Please. I need to get out of here," I sob.

"Okay. Let me text him, but stay on the phone," she instructs.

I obey, and a moment passes.

"He's just down the street. He said his driver will be there in two minutes," she says.