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Chapter 17
After a few days in the hospital, Damon decided he couldn’t wait any longer–he was checking himself out early.
The day after Emily left, he and Lea set up their divorce appointment. Now that the thirty–day cooling–off period was finally over, it was time to make it official. He needed those papers, and
fast.
He still remembered how Lea had cried that day. She didn’t say much–just wiped her tears and went along with him, her eyes shiny with sadness as she stared at him like she was trying to memorize his face. All she said was, “Promise me you’ll be happy.”
He’d been angry with Lea at first, but seeing her so quiet and understanding, he just couldn’t bring himself to blame her. He even agreed to keep the divorce private for now–no announcements, no drama.
He drove over to Lea’s place. As he walked up to the door, ready to go in, he heard voices coming from inside.
“That bitch Emily–why didn’t she just disappear after she saw those messages? What’s with this dramatic act? It’s been a month and Damon still isn’t over her.”
“What does she have that I don’t? Whatever, at least I’m already pregnant. Three months along and everything’s fine. As soon as I tell the Raines family, Damon can throw all the fits he wants–he’ll never be able to leave me now.”
“Why are you jealous? You know you’re the one I love. Sure, this baby is his, but the next one will be yours, okay?”
The words slipped through the door, sharp as knives, cutting right into Damon’s chest.
He felt his breathing quicken, anger burning in his eyes.
Then, he shoved the door open. Lea jumped, ending her call in a panic, her face going pale as
she tried to smile at him.
“Damon, you’re supposed to be resting. Why did you leave the hospital so soon?”
“Who were you talking to on the phone?”
His voice was cold as ice, his stare even colder.
Lea’s eyes widened. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to steady herself. “I was just talking to a friend. She wanted to know if I liked anything from the new King collection. I said I was feeling down about the divorce, so I just chatted with her for a bit. That’s all.”
“Is that so?” Damon’s laugh was short and bitter as he stepped closer. “So who were you calling a bitch? And who’s jealous of you?”
Lea’s face went completely white. She grabbed his sleeve, desperation in her eyes. “No, Damon, you’ve got it wrong. My friend was just upset because I’ve been with you all the time and haven’t
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Chapter 17
gone shopping with her. That’s it. No one called anyone a bitch…”
Damon yanked his arm away, his eyes dark and cold. “What exactly have you done behind my
back?”
“Don’t make me look into it myself. You must’ve said or done something to drive Emily away!”
Lea’s tears started to fall, big and messy. She sniffled, her words broken by sobs. “I didn’t! I only found out when you told me. Damon, I swear, I didn’t do anything!”
But this time, Damon didn’t soften.
He grabbed her wrist, his face tight with anger, his grip harsh enough to hurt. “Lea, I don’t have time for your games. Tell me the truth–everything you know–or else…”
“You know I’m not the forgiving type.”
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