Chapter: 5
Was he using her as a stand-in for Ashley while indulging with Ashley's sister?
The thought revolted her...
Shaking uncontrollably, Kaitlin raised her head to meet Lilliana's gaze, her eyes burning with anger and hurt.
"Kaitlin, please understand. It's not what you think. It's just..."
Lilliana uttered as she grabbed her phone, her face a mix of mock sorrow and defiance.
Kaitlin's rage bubbled over, and she struck Lilliana across the face with a sharp slap.
“Get out! What are you so proud of? Proud of destroying my marriage? How can you not be ashamed?!"
The force of her slap sent the phone crashing to the floor, breaking into pieces. Lilliana stumbled back, her hand deliberately striking Kaitlin's injured leg as she fell against the hospital bed.
Pain exploded in Kaitlin's leg, blurring her vision with tears. As she reached out to push Lilliana away, a strong hand clamped down on her wrist.
“Kaitlin, have you lost your mind?"
Alan's cold, stern voice cut through the chaos.
Kaitlin looked up to see Alan, still dressed in the somber black suit from the photo she had seen earlier, exhaustion and anger etched across his face.
He was still the same tall, broad-shouldered, and good-looking man, but to Kaitlin, he looked utterly repulsive now.
"I'm the one who's lost my mind?" Kaitlin hissed, emphasizing every word. “Your lover here has been mocking me to my face. How could I not react? You disgust me, Alan!"
Alan's face darkened with fury as he met Kaitlin's tear-filled, furious gaze.
He had been up all night handling the kidnappers, without a moment's rest, only to arrive at the hospital and find Kaitlin snapping at him over Lilliana.
His assistant had informed him that Lilliana was badly hurt, yet here she was, seemingly more vigorous than he felt.
"Kaitlin, are you trying to test my patience?" He gripped her delicate jaw firmly, his tone icy. “Apologize to Lilliana. Now!"
The sharp pain in her jaw made Kaitlin shudder, but the ache in her heart cut deeper.
There was no way she would apologize.
“For what exactly?" Her voice was raspy as she protested, “Because I interrupted your mourning for your beloved while I was nearly dying? Or because I slapped your new lover when she mocked me? Alan, even if your heart isn't with me, can't you at least show me the respect due to a wife?"
Veins throbbed on Alan's forehead, and his grip grew tighter, his knuckles whitening.
“Enough! How dare you bring her up?!"
Alan's shout echoed as he shoved Kaitlin back against the bed like a furious dragon. “Remember your place! Do as I command, now!"