Chapter 165
+25 SCARUS
The reason I said “again” was that Edward had been drinking the last time he barged into my studio.
During the scuffle that followed, he ended up with a few bloody holes in his knees from being stabbed with scissors, and I got a gash on my arm.
It seemed he’d forgotten all about that incident now that his scars had healed and he was drunk again.
“Yes, I have,” Edward admitted, his tone heavy with dejection. “I’ve been really down, and booze is the only thing that can keep me calm.”
Feeling no sympathy, I merely replied, “You’ve just gotten out of the hospital, and God knows if you’re fully recovered. So, don’t you dare die near me.”
I had already opened my door and was about to head inside when he suddenly charged forward and slammed it
shut.
“Taylor!” He gazed at me, his eyes brimming with emotion. “You still care about me, don’t you? I refuse to believe you’ve forgotten everything from our six–year relationship.”
He continued. “I know you’re only temporarily infatuated with Soren, and I’m sure you’ll come back to me once you’ve woken up!”
I turned to face him, but instead of feeling sadness or pity, merely snickered. “Are you seriously comparing yourself to Soren? You?”
Edward’s expression froze, clearly hurt by my remark. “Do you really love him that much?”
“He’s a thousand times better than you in every way. Any woman would fall for him.”
I deliberately avoided answering directly, unwilling to give him any reason to accuse me of infidelity during our marriage.
Edward’s next words were the final blow. “Does he love you, then?”
Honestly, I couldn’t answ
er that question.
I didn’t know if Soren loved me, and even if he did, I couldn’t bring myself to say it out loud.
After all, I was still in this civil partnership, and admitting to such a thing would mean Soren would have to bear the label of a homewrecker. That was a title no one of his status or background should ever carry–not in a million
years.
Because of my silence, Edward snickered and said, “Of course he doesn’t. Why would someone like him ever fall for you? He’s just playing with you, don’t you see?”
I couldn’t be bothered to dwell on his words. Instead, I had an idea and said, “I’ve scheduled our annulment proceedings for Tuesday and the court hearing for Thursday.
“Your lawyer should’ve already told you that the judge can still make a decision even if you refuse to show up. Plus, the ruling won’t be in your favor.
“So now you have two choices… You can either do one of them, or both at the same time.”
Edward looked at me in confusion, so I clarified, “Even if we submit the documents to the City Clerk on Tuesday, we’ll still have a one–month cooling–off period, thanks to you.
“To prevent you from suddenly changing your mind, the court hearing on Thursday will proceed as planned.
1/2
+25 BONUS
“I’ve already checked with my lawyer, and I can appeal to have our annulment finalized even during the cooling- off period.”
This was my two–pronged strategy to prevent Edward from stalling.
Edward smiled when he heard this, but his voice turned cold as he said, “Looks like you’ve planned this down to every last detail,”
“Of course,” I replied. “So stop this pointless resistance and let’s get this over with.”
Just as I was about to enter my house, Edward suddenly grabbed my shoulders, forcefully spun me around, and pressed me against the wall.
The suddenness of it all caught me off guard. Het out a soft gasp, still in shock, before glaring at him.
“What are you doing? Don’t make me call the police!” I barked.
Edward, much taller than me, was clearly not himself. His eyes were bloodshot, and he reeked of alcohol.
“We’ve been together for more than six years, and we’re officially married. Yet, I’ve never gotten the chance to sleep with you…” He paused, his voice darkening. “Fine! We can go through with this, but… I want to fuck you tonight, just once.”
He sneered as he made his demand.
