Chapter 19
Lorraine stared at Stephen’s hands–those familiar fingers were now pressed flat against the door
“We’re done here,” she said flatly. To her surprise, she felt no heartbreak–just overwhelming disgust.
Stephen shifted uncomfortably. “Kevin was supposed to be abroad, but he suddenly came back. We used to be lovers,” he admitted anxiously. “Ha’s leaving in a few days. Aber that, we can figure things out, okay?”
Lorraine let out a bitter laugh. “So what’s the plan? He leaves, and we keep up this charade? You think you
you can just wreck my life like this?”
“My family will compensate you,” Stephen rushed to say. “My parents promised you’ll want for nothing, if you want children, there are medical options” He lowered his voice. “Just please keep this between us, okay?”
Lorraine found it both funny and painful. “Compensation? Medical options? The Moores really thought of everything–planned it all out for me. But what do they think I am? Some toy they can leave on the shelf? Or just a baby–making machine?‘ she thought bitterly.
“Right now,” she said through clenched fists, “I really want to hit you. But it’s not worth stooping to your level. She drew a sharp breath. “Just go!
“We’re still married,” Stephen said, reaching for her arm. “You’re coming home with me.”
Lorraine stepped back, “Stephen, listen. The Shaws never treated me as family–not my father after his new marriage, not my stepmother. But I learned to love myself enough to make up for all of them. And I won’t let you treat me like this.”
Stephen’s hand hung in the air, empty. The forced warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by something colder and sharper.
He drew his hand back and laughed lightly. “You do realize you’re abandoned, don’t you? if I weren’t gay, you’d never stand a chance marrying into the Moore family
“The Shaws” business? My family couldn’t care less. We only took her in because I’m gay, he thought, shaking his head like it was a joke. His face showed no shame–not even a hint of regret.
Lorraine had seen through their scheme, but hearing it spoken aloud still made her chest tighten. Her throat closed up, tears stinging her eyes as she backed against the wall.
When they’d first met, he’d seemed refined–almost scholarly. His rimless glasses and polished manners had given him an air of quiet intellect. But she never imagined that his whole intellectual vibe was just him being painfully girly.
She drew a sharp breath. “Don’t speak to me. You’re disgusting. Who knows what filth you had your mouth all over last night?” The gloves were off, and she wouldn’t spare him a single courtesy.
Stephen’s expression darkened. “Don’t you dare talk about Kevin that way!”
“Then go be with him!” Lorraine shot back. “Spend the rest of your life with your steadied herself. “We’re getting a divorce.”
precious Kevin. But as for us. Her lips quivered, but she quickly
Stephen’s smirk vanished, replaced by stunned silence. He couldn’t believe someone with no one to turn to would dare just walk out on him like that “You-“He stepped forward, but before he could finish his curse, a bucket of filthy water smashed into his face, forcing its way into his mouth.
Stephen stood dripping his face streaked with grime as if he’d been rolling in a sewer. He gagged, sputtering, “You witch!” The stench was unbearable, making his nose wrinkle.
Sheila tossed the bucket with a careless Rick of her wrist, brushing her hands together. heard Lomaine say how filthy your mouth is, so I figured I’d match your insides to your outsides. That’s fresh toilet water. Your precious Keyin might appreciate the aroma,”
She pulled Lorraine behind her, protective. “And about those divorce papers–you’d better sign them as soon as possible, unless you want more surprises coming your way.”
Tue, 10 Jun
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Stephen spat. He swiped at the filthy water running down his cheeks, his glare burning into Lorraine. “Don’t be stupid. I married you for show in that emply house playing my wife until you die. Those papers will never get signed”
AD
