Page 119 of Marry Lies
She lets out a small sob as one hand goes to cover her mouth. “Don’t do that. Don’t tell me you’re in love with me right after I find out you’ve betrayed me.”
“Why does it matter if the money comes from me instead? Nothing has to change! You’ll get your money every month—”
“I don’t care about the bloody money, Miles! How many times do I have to tell you that?” she cries out as a single tear slides down her right cheekbone. “You promised me no more secrets, and that didn’t even last the night.”
Fuck.
“I’m sorry,” I say slowly.
Her nostrils flare as she studies me, and I know whatever she’s about to say will ruin me.
“I should’ve known. You really are your father’s son.”
“Estelle, please. What can I do to get you to forgive me?”
She laughs, but it’s not a kind laugh. “Have you tried a martini or two? Coercion and alcohol seem to work well for you, after all.”
I step forward. “Estelle—”
“No. Don’tEstelleme.” She shakes her head. “You know, it’s not about the money. It’s about the fact that you hesitated when I asked if you were ever going to tell me.”
My jaw clicks with anger. “I did it to protect you!” I tell her, raising my voice. “I fucking did it all for you!”
“Yeah, to keep me here. In a cage of your own making,” she adds, another tear falling down her cheek. “This castle is cursed. I’m leaving. You can take your money and shove it up your arse. I never wanted it in the first place.”
She turns to walk out, and just then, Liam walks back into the kitchen.
“Estelle,” I growl, walking toward her.
Liam shakes his head. “I’ll take her to my place to cool off,” he tells me.
I stare at Liam as Estelle mutters something about packing her things before leaving my brother and I alone.
“That went well,” I grit out.
“Give her a few days. She’ll come to her senses,” he says gently.
I sigh and place my forehead against the cool wood of the cabinetry. “I don’t know how this happened,” I tell him honestly, my voice hoarse.
“Howwhathappened?” Liam asks.
“How it went from not caring about anything to only caring abouther.How it feels like someone reached into my chest and tore my heart out just now.”
Liam rubs my back as I squeeze my eyes shut. “I’ll take care of her. Zoe is coming home soon, so I have her room all ready and made up.”
“Yeah, thanks,” I answer absently. Pushing off the cabinet, I run a hand over my face. “I’m going downstairs. Drive safe,” I tell him.
“You don’t want to say goodbye?” he asks, concern marring his features.
I shake my head. “No. I can’t watch her walk out of this place.”
Without another word, I turn and walk out of the kitchen, heading down to the cellar even though it’s empty.
I need a dark, quiet place to think.
I need about a thousand alcoholic drinks to numb the pain of my wife walking out on me.
I need to forget about the idea of her never coming back here.
