Chapter 4
Goosebumps prickled over my skin as soon as I heard the voice. James glanced my way, his expression darkening, but he didn’t budge. It was my male colleagues who stepped in to handle the situation.
Meanwhile, James just raised his glass with a cold, condescending smile. “No wonder I couldn’t find you that night. Looks like you were busy with your ‘business.”
I froze in shock, my face flushing with anger and humiliation. I stood abruptly, ready to leave. But Lindsay rushed over, blocking my path.
“It’s all my fault,” she said, her voice dripping with fake sincerity. “I shouldn’t have picked this place. I’m so sorry! Tonight was supposed to clear up misunderstandings, and now I’ve made it worse. I’ll punish myself. I’ll drink.”
Before I could respond, she grabbed a
90% 12:00
1/4
Chapter 4
bottle and downed it. The diamond on her finger caught the light, sharp and blinding. Only then did James finally move.
He walked over, his voice laced with irritation. “Lindsay already apologized. What more do you want? Just let it go and stop making a scene.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, so she apologizes, and I’m supposed to just forgive her? Is that how it works now?”
James’s frustration boiled over. His brows furrowed as he snapped back. “She already drank for you, and you’re still going on about this? Even if you’re mad, there’s a limit!” He shoved a bottle of alcohol into
my hand, the message clear.
I pressed my lips together, my fury threatening to spill over. But I kept my voice ice cold. “I can’t drink. I’ve got somewhere else to be, so I’m leaving.”
Before I could walk away, James grabbed me by the neck, his grip tight. “Shannon,
000 12 01
2/4
Chapter 4
have I been too nice to you? Lindsay drank an entire bottle for you, and you’re just going to walk out?”
He yanked me hard, slamming me against his chest. He pried the bottle open and forced it toward my mouth. The liquor poured down my chin, soaking my clothes as I choked and coughed, clutching my stomach in pain.
He tossed the empty bottle to the ground, still fuming. “Don’t be ungrateful!”
Tears welled in my eyes, not from sadness. but from the physical strain.
His angry, threatening words kept coming. “Apologize to Lindsay, or we’re getting divorced! I’m done with this!”
Everyone around us expected me to explode, to lose control. But I didn’t. I composed myself, even as my face burned with humiliation. I nodded calmly. “Fine, then. Let’s get divorced.”
I took two steps, but Lindsay grabbed my
90% 12:01
3/4
Chapter 4
arm, panic creeping into her voice. “Don’t be impulsive! Divorce isn’t a small thing. You shouldn’t do this because of me-”
“Get lost!” I yanked my arm free, sending her stumbling backward.
James snapped, his fury exploding. He grabbed an empty bottle from the table and hurled it at the back of my head.
The next moment, I collapsed. Crimson blood pooled beneath my nightgown, soaking the floor.
