‘No,’ I said flatly.
‘Even if he doesn’t love you?’
‘Even if. And I’m pretty sure as long as I don’t bring it up, Ashton never will either. That ans you’ll never get to marry him and beco Mrs Laurent. You can waste your whole life waiting.’ I looked straight at Genevieve, allowing a hint of triumph into my voice. ‘How does it feel? To hate but be completely powerless?’
‘What’s the point, Mirabelle? What do you gain by clinging to Ashton like this? You’re making everyone miserable—you, him, and . Just na your price. What will it take for you to leave him? I’ll do my best to et it. I just want Ashton.’ Her tone had grown colder.
‘I’ve told you already. Don’t waste your ti dreaming. I will never divorce Ashton.’
Genevieve’s composure finally cracked. ‘You know what I’m capable of. You’ve seen it first-hand. Next ti, I’ll make sure the shooter doesn’t miss.’
‘You an the one who almost killed the man you claim to love?’ I gave a dry laugh. ‘Maybe hire soone who can actually aim. And don’t forget, Ashton will always protect . He would never let any real harm co to . You should know that better than anyone.’
‘Is that so?’ Her lips curled into a sneer. ‘What about when he’s in my bed, telling he loves ?’
My hands clenched into fists under the table, but I kept my face neutral, my eyes fixed on her with icy mockery. ‘I’ll bother being jealous when he actually sleeps with you. Right now, am I supposed to be jealous of so lovestruck lunatic’s fantasy? Please. The line of won who want my husband stretches from here to the next district. Who do you think you are?’ My gaze was pure scorn.
‘You—!’ She clearly hadn’t expected to be so unmoved.
‘Did you go to all this trouble just to tell that?’ I raised an eyebrow. ‘If this is all you wanted to say, you can save your breath. Don’t bother seeking out again. I will never divorce Ashton. Not now, not ever.’
‘What do you possibly gain from this? He doesn’t love you.’
‘I gain the satisfaction of knowing you’ll never be Mrs Laurent, no matter how desperate you are to beco her.’ I smiled triumphantly.
Genevieve’s eyes flashed. Suddenly, she grabbed the glass of water from the table and threw it in her own face.
I stared. Had she completely lost her mind? I’d expected her to throw it at .
‘What is wrong with you?’
No sooner had the words left my mouth than Ashton arrived.
It clicked then. Genevieve must have seen him coming.
‘Ashton! Your wife... she warned to stay away from you. She told to leave you alone, and when I refused, she threw water in my face! Thank god it was only tepid, or I might have been scarred!’ Genevieve clutched at his arm.
Her hair was soaked, wet strands clinging to her cheeks. She looked genuinely pitiful, and with that wounded act she was putting on, anyone who didn’t know better would have believed her.
Ashton’s eyes found mine.
I stared back, defiant and silent.
Neither of us spoke.
I wasn’t going to say a word. I wanted to see how he would handle this.
‘Ashton... I just... I never thought she’d be so aggressive. To do it here, in public... I...’ Her voice wavered, and her eyes welled up with tears. She looked utterly pathetic.
Ashton’s brow furrowed. He reached over and picked up the glass of water in front of . I watched him, my own expression tight.
Did he believe her?
What was he going to do?
Get revenge for her?
‘You threw this at her?’ Ashton held the glass, his voice cold as he glanced at Genevieve’s damp state and then back at .
‘I—’ I began, but he cut off.
‘I didn’t see how you did it. Here, show . Do it again.’
My eyes widened in utter disbelief. Was he serious?
Genevieve’s face paled with panic. ‘Ashton!’
‘Well?’ He pressed the glass into my hand.
‘Fine. If you insist.’ If that’s what he wanted, why wouldn’t I?
I took the glass and threw the water straight into Genevieve’s face. ‘There. You wanted to tattle to Ashton, didn’t you? Well, now I’ve given you sothing real to complain about. Go on, tell him.’
‘I... You...’ Genevieve was shaking with anger, speechless. Then she turned a pitiful gaze toward Ashton. ‘Ash, look... your wife, she’s bullying , she—’
‘So what if she did? If she feels you deserve it, that’s all the reason I need. Shall I pour the next glass myself, or are you done making a spectacle?’
He took my hand and pulled away.
‘Hey, let go of !’ I wasn’t about to be placated so easily.
What happened before wasn’t sothing a few words could smooth over.
I wrenched my hand free.
‘You’re mad?’
‘What was your first clue?’ I scoffed.
Ashton frowned, his eyes searching mine. ‘If sothing’s bothering you, you can talk to about it.’
‘Nothing’s bothering . I just wish you’d handle your... admirers yourself. Keep them away from .’ I spat the words out, then turned to leave.
Ashton caught up with , and tried to take my hand again.
I shook him off in disgust. ‘Don’t touch with the sa hands that have been all over another woman.’
His frown deepened. ‘What are you talking about? What’s going on in your head? What did Genevieve say to you?’
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