and humiliation. She had fled the paparazzi and taken a cab back to the only place she

ent of gardenias thick in the air. Corinne was sitting at

uking face, you know that?" Co

the phone from her hand

le littered with expensive perfumes. "And since you're here to pack, let's make it quick. Kane had all your things thrown out of the master bedr

ds, made Clara's stomach turn. It was a sickness t

licate diamond necklace. The one Kane had given Clara on their first anniversary

purred, turning to face Clara. "He says I'm perfect.

snapped. The humiliation, the pain, the rage that

d the sound of her palm connecting with Corinne's

ep. She clutched her face, her eyes wide. But beneath t

nt, the bedroom do

of fury. He had clearly just gotten out of the shower;

ching her reddening cheek, and Clara, sta

ree long steps and cornered Clara against the wall, his hands slamming against the wallpaper on

r hip struck the sharp corner of a bedside ta

ne, cupping her face in his hands, his touch imp

ara was one of pure loathing, as if she wer

is wrong with y

ed, clutching her back. "She was s

r shoulders shaking. "I just wanted to say goodbye properly, Kane," she whimpered

n close, his voice a low, deadly whisper that sent a chill down her spine. "You listen to me. If y

oved was gone, replaced by this monster. The last, stubborn ember of hope

ed his a

she pushed herself to her fe

stood there, his arms wrapped protect