a's

chest. Aaron had kind of warned me several times about Justin. Helena didn't like the idea of getting married that early, especially n

is as a disgrace and tarnish their image and

y need to go on with this divorce? I mean... as much as this sounds

ar voice called out as I got t

ight, I hope I didn't hurt you?" I asked as soon

head and hands aggressively as if admit

the way," I grinned. She's been the cutest and most h

hed and continued d

on a cushion in the living ro

ell

'm at the gate to the fam

to the securit

et him in." Then I hung up.

ched them both stroll lazily down the stairs and into the living room. Old me would have stood to greet her, but th

eryone must have breakfast together before stepp

nervous as I was, or he was eager to watch the drama unfold. We all

I gestured toward a seat he could use. Luckily, every other D'Cruz wasn't around

y," I cleared my throat

ould say something... anything. Justin and his mother watched me like I was reading a monologue from a show th

e. My legs carried me forward on instinct, my fingers trembling only slightly as I fl

turn,

ia, what is this? A prank?" His lips stretched into a smile,

perty-not that you personally own any-so just sign and continue your life with Summer."

he wanted to reach for mine. I shifted back, denying him the chance. "Ari

e kitchen a misunderstanding?" His mouth opened, but before he could form another lie, his mother sighed loudly. "It's a shame you can't settle l

her what kind of woman would reduce betrayal to somethi

's a couple's matter." He rose to his f

she put so much effort into her look today," she sneered. Then, with a deep breath, she turned to Justin. "I told you th

stin, please. Just

Let's talk

ainst the back of my throat like a tide I was barely h

e truth. Instead, he forced the words out like they were bullets h

didn't match his voice. His eyes didn't carry love, only a

my head. "Just sign the do

uld take a single step, his hand clamp

skin like claws. I tried to pull away, but he only squeezed harder. My pulse quick

cracked, manic-like a frustrated psychopath holding on by threads. "We'll go upsta

e before. Each word dripped venom, each tug of his hand dragged me

throat. If he got m

t his fingers only sank deeper, biting into my skin

chair scraped sharply a

d without even turning

feet, his voice calm but thre

-it wasn't a reques

h a smile that didn't belong to him

s," Aaron cut him off, his tone sharper now. "And

hed, his grip tightening on my arm as if daring his brother

e stepped forward, steady, unshaken, every move radiating qui

doubt, maybe fear-but his pride fought it down. "

ve already broken enough. If you won't let go because I'm telling yo

pressed against me, heavier than Justin's

his glare swinging between us. "You think you're some kind of her

re his hand had been. Aaron's body shifted in front of

" Aaron said, his