of perso

down the stairs, straight and dignified, although a whirlwind of thoughts fought in her mind. This marriage, this man... Nothing was like what

ered in old books and the leather armchairs testified to Ethan's taste for control and

called out in a clear voice, breaking the si

He raised the glass to his lips, enjoy

n? he asked, his voice low but i

ps forward, her arms

't exist. If you want to erase me from your li

yes fixing on her with an intensity

s voice dropping to an almost threatening whisper. I nev

gaze, refusin

a man who can't say a kind word? A man who t

jaw, his face ha

y, I will do everything to annul this union. I do

elt a mixture of anger and pain rising with

with challenge. Perfect. Do what you want, Ethan. But know on

brow, surprised

d what are yo

ed before turning on her

y table, adorned with a massive chandelier and carefully prepared dishes, seemed like a battlef

oying the meal," she finall

his plate, his f

ng to complain

that you find

t a slight smile from Eth

ul, he replied, pu

pursed

? she asked suddenly. W

on the table, folding hi

xury of being otherwise. Weak

r humanity?

er of emotion pass through his eyes. But he quickly tur

ly changing the subject. Why did you stay? Why

ing with the cloth

e I'm stronger

softly, but

e how long

tense silence, punctuated only by

above the estate's gardens. Ethan's words played over and over in his head. Every time she tried

he turned around to find Ethan in the doo

ill awake,

she replied, cr

m, stopping at a r

at everything was okay, he sai

ised by his almost

ng is fine

, but did

than before. I know I'm not the husband you hoped

searching

e asked, her c

ning a hand th

find a way to coexist,

ng at him as if trying to

plicated, Ethan, she said finally. B

he finally understood wh

a, he whispered bef

be, she thought, beneath that icy facade was a man she could one day unde