"You promised to be with me..."
"But my life should be my choice!" I broke free from his grip. "Lorenzo, I'm grateful for your care, but you don't get to choose for me."
"But—"
"No buts!" I cut him off.
"I'm just worried about you." His voice dropped. "I'm afraid he'll hurt you again."
"I know you mean well, Lorenzo," my tone softened slightly. "I need time. I need time to sort through all of this."
"You still love him, don't you?" He asked, voice trembling. "You never really let go."
I fell silent. Watching Kholod clumsily learn to change diapers, carefully prepare breakfast—that ice seemed to be quietly melting.
"I'm sorry. I'm so confused right now."
"Then what am I?" His eyes filled with pain. "Did you agree to be with me just to spite him?"
"It's not like that..."
"Enough." He smiled bitterly as he headed for the door. "I need some air."
"Lorenzo..."
"Don't follow me."
I stood there as tears streamed down my face. I'd hurt Lorenzo,and I didn't know how to face Kholod either. I didn't want to forgive Kholod—or rather, I didn't want to forgive him easily.
Leo started crying in his crib, frightened by the argument.
"Don't cry, sweetheart..." I picked him up and whispered soothingly. "Mommy's here."
Chapter Forty
Noelle
"Did your heart run off with him?"
Kholod's voice came from the doorway, low and dangerous.
I lounged on the sofa with my eyes closed, resting. At his words, I opened them and shot him a cold glare. "Kholod Morozov, don't start acting crazy here."
"I just want to know," he said, stepping closer, "are you in love with him?"
"None of your business."
"How is it not?" He sat across from me. "You're my wife."
"Ex-wife," I corrected. "I signed the divorce papers."
"But I didn't." His voice dropped low. "Noelle, you smile for him, you're gentle with him, but with me, you're always ice cold. I get jealous too... Can't you smile at me a little more?"
"You deserve it." I stood up. "If it weren't for you, I could've had a peaceful life with Lorenzo, no nightmares, no painful memories every time I see you—"
Before I finished, I caught the flicker of hurt in his eyes. Those reddening rims sparked a twisted thrill in me. I stepped forward,tilting my head up to stare down this towering man who looked utterly wrecked right now.
"So, what gives you the right to be jealous?"
