Chapter 116
I mechanically finished bandiging Henry’s wound, unable to look him in the eyes. The bite mark stood out vividly against his skin. Five years ago, I never would have imagined I’d be capable of such violence–especially against the man I had
nce loved so deeply.
‘You’re being too rough, Henry complained as I secured the bandage with perhaps more force than necessary.
“You’re lucky that’s all I’m doing,” I muttered, finally meeting his gaze. “How could you do that to Billy? What kind of father holds his child upside down until he chokes?”
Henry’s eyes narrowed dangerously. I was teaching him discipline. Something you’ve clearly failed to do in his upbringing.”
“Discipline?” I echoed incredulously. “Is that what you call it? You could have seriously injured him just now! Is it because he’s not your biological child that you feel justified treating him that way?”
The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I’immediately regretted bringing up that particular subject. Henry’s expression darkened, his mouth twisting into a cruel smile.
“You said it yourself,” he replied coldly. “He’s not mine. Why should I care how I handle him? I didn’t hit him, did I? When he takes Taekwondo classes, he performs far more dangerous moves than that.”
I stared at him, momentarily speechless. “Since when did you become an expert on Billy’s Taekwondo classes?”
“He wanted to learn,” Henry replied with a casual shrug. “The training positions are much more extreme than what I just did. Holding him upside down for a few seconds is nothing compared to the professional moves required in combat
training.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This bastard had suddenly become so articulate in defending his inexcusable
behavior toward our son.
“So just because he’s not your biological child, he means nothing to you?” I demanded, my voice rising despite my efforts to stay calm. “You can be kind to anyone connected to Isabella, but you can’t show basic decency to a five–year–old boy? Don’t compare formal training with what you just did! Training occurs in a safe environment with protective measures! How dangerous was what just happened? What if…”
“Don’t argue with me about things that didn’t happen!” Henry snapped, his patience clearly wearing thin.
“This isn’t about hypotheticals,” I shot back. “This is about the child’s safety! Isabella obviously said something terrible to Billy when he called you this morning, but instead of questioning her, you take it out on us? What kind of man does that
Henry’s jaw clenched. “Isabella would never do something like that. You’re just trying to turn Billy against her.”
“I don’t need to turn Billy against her–she managed that all on her own!” I exclaimed. “But of course, in your eyes, saintl Isabella can do no wrong.”
“Isabella’s affairs are none of your concern,” Henry replied coldly. “Stop antagonizing her. As a medical professional,
nal integrity?” shouldn’t you have some compassion for a sick patient? Where’s your medical ethics? Your pro
That pushed me over the edge. After what he’d just done, to our son, he dared to lecture me about ethics?
Chapter 116
“You’re absolutely not a man, I spat, trembling with rage. “A real man would have the courage to grant me a divorce and marry Isabella if that’s what you want! Instead, you keep us both hanging in this twisted limbo–you’re too cowardly to make a decision! You’re nothing but a pathetic, spineless weakling!”
Henry’s face flushed with anger. “If it weren’t for my grandfather’s health issues, I would have divorced you long ago!” he “shouted. “The only reason we’re still married is because the shock might kill him!”
His words cut deeper than any physical wound could have. All this time, I had secretly harbored a tiny hope that perhaps, somewhere deep inside, Henry still cared for me. That maybe he valued our marriage beyond mere obligation.
That illusion shattered completely with his admission.
I felt something shift inside me–the final thread of attachment breaking, setting me free. In that moment, staring at this stranger who had once been my husband, I truly let go.
Henry must have seen the change in my eyes–the resignation, the relief, the unexpected peace that comes with finally accepting the truth.
His anger seemed to intensify, as if my emotional liberation somehow threatened his authority.
“Stop bringing Isabella into every conversation!” he growled. “You’re hardly one to talk about fidelity! Thomas, Sam–who’s your true love, Sophia? Who’s the man you really dream about?”
Before I could respond, Henry grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking me toward the bathroom. I struggled, but his grip was too strong. He shoved me into the bathtub and turned the shower on, the water quickly soaking through our clothes. He locked the door behind us, trapping me with him in the confined space.
“Let me go!” I shouted, trying to push past him. “What the hell are you doing?”
As the water continued to pour down, my clothes clung to my skin. Henry’s expression was terrifying–a mixture of fury, possession, and something else I couldn’t quite identify. He pressed me against the cold tile wall, his body effectively imprisoning mine.
“Henry, stop it!” I tried to push him away, but he was too strong. He tore at my wet shirt, the fabric giving way easily in his grip.
I opened my mouth to scream for help, but Henry crushed his cold lips against mine, silencing my cries. I pounded against his chest, kicked at his legs, fought with every ounce of strength I possessed, but nothing I did seemed to affect him.
My mind raced with panic. Where was Billy? Would he hear us? The thought of my son potentially witnessing this terrified me more than anything Henry might do to me.
“Henry, I gasped when he finally broke the kiss. “Please don’t do this. Think about Billy
For a moment, something flickered in his eyes—a brief hesitation. But then it was gone, replaced by cold determination as he pressed me harder against the wall.
