Chapter 27
Once, Lily believed Xavier married her because he loved her. She just shook her head and said, I don’t know.”
“I chose you because you were obedient. I thought you were different from other women,” Xavier explained, leaning back against the seat with unusual patience.
He disliked women who constantly argued and caused problems. He had been satisfied with their simple arrangement over the past two years, in which he handled work and she handled the house.
Lily never questioned Xavier’s whereabouts or interfered with his work. When he came home, he could leave his work stress at the door. As a husband, he thought he met all her needs–and in the bedroom, she suited him well enough, even if she was a bit reserved.
Yet, he did not realize that, beyond physical closeness, he had failed in every other way as her husband.
Lily stared at him for a few seconds before her face turned pale as realization struck. The Fulton family knew all about Hazel and Bobby’s dynamic, and since their families had been friends for generations, their grandparents had arranged for her to marry Xavier.
Due to Bobby’s obvious preference for his son and questionable character, Shane grew distant from Bobby. Lily wondered if Xavier was implying that he expected her to be like Hazel–a submissive wife who would let her husband do whatever he wanted.
“Then do you know why I want a divorce?” Lily asked, her delicate brows furrowed. When Xavier remained silent, either not caring or not knowing, she continued, “Because I’m like other women after all–I don’t want a loveless marriage, I refuse to be your sexual outlet, and I won’t be a cover for your messes!”
The last words came out as a near–growl, the veins in her slender neck visible as her face flushed with anger.
“Don’t act like I’ve wronged you,” Xavier snapped. “If you had any real pride, you wouldn’t have run to Fulton Manor to complain!”
Xavier had not really listened to her words, instead studying her closely. In their two years of marriage, she had only shown this kind of resistance in their most intimate moments.
That defiant expression was new, but it stirred something in him, his need to conquer flaring up. Was she playing hard to get?
“Complain? What complaints?” Lily froze, her mind racing.
Did Shane talk to Xavier? She had gone to Fulton Manor without Xavier knowing, so her confidence faltered.
Chap 27
“Let’s make a deal, Lily,” Xavier stated tensely, adopting his business negotiation stance. “Be the proper Mrs. Fulton, and I’ll give you anything you want–just behave yourself from now
- on.
Then, he played his trump card and added, “If you want those hospital records, agree to my terms.”
Lily’s eyes
widened as he realized Shane had handed this matter over to Xavier. Just like that, Xavier had found her weakness.
Seeing her reaction, Xavier’s expression softened into that of someone who held all the power. He was not speaking to her as a husband but as if he were tossing a coin to a beggar. It was as if being Mrs. Fulton was some great fortune she should be eternally grateful for, never mind. love or anything else.
As the color drained from Lily’s lips and her breathing grew shallow, Xavier reached out and took her hand that rested on her leg. His rough fingertips gently caressed the smooth skin on the back of her hand.
