The words slip out before I can stop them, raw and honest and absolutely final.Ethan's face goes white with shock, then flushes red with fury.
"You ungrateful bitch," he snarls, his mask of civilized concern finally dropping completely."After everything I've given you, everything I've done for you, this is how you repay me?"
"Given me?You mean controlled me.You shaped me into what you wanted instead of loving who I am."
"I loved you enough to try to make you better."
"You loved the idea of me.The trophy wife who would make you look good at dinner parties and charity galas.You never loved me."
Ethan's eyes narrow dangerously."And you think he does?That criminal who barely knows you?"
"I think he sees me.Really sees me.Not some project to be improved or possession to be displayed."
"He sees an easy mark.A desperate woman he can manipulate into taking care of his family obligations."
The cruel assessment makes my chest tight with fury."Those children are not obligations.They're human beings who need love and stability."
"They're damaged goods that will destroy your life if you let them."Ethan leans closer, his voice dropping to something venomous."But maybe that's what you want.Maybe you're so pathetic, so desperate for purpose, that you'll cling to any man who shows you the slightest bit of attention."
The words hit like physical blows, designed to tear down every bit of confidence I've built over the past few days.This is what Ethan does when he doesn't get his way—he tries to destroy the person who disappointed him.
"Let go of me," I say quietly.
"Not until you listen to reason?—"
"Let go of her."
The voice that cuts through our argument is low, dangerous, and absolutely unmistakable.I look up to see Hades approaching, his expression deadly calm but his eyes burning with barely leashed violence.
Ethan's grip on my arm tightens reflexively."This is a private conversation."
"Doesn't look private to me."Hades stops just close enough to be a threat, his presence filling the space between us."Looks like you're hurting her."
"I'm trying to talk sense into her."
"By grabbing her?By calling her names?"Hades' voice drops to something that makes the hair on my arms stand up."That your idea of talking sense?"
Ethan finally releases my arm, but he doesn't back down."She's making the biggest mistake of her life, and someone needs to tell her the truth."
"The truth?Or your version of it?"
"My version?"Ethan laughs, the sound sharp and ugly."Fine.You want the truth?She's using you.Using those kids.This whole thing is just her way of acting out because she's scared of commitment."
"That right?"Hades' gaze flicks to me, and I see something in his eyes that makes my pulse quicken.Not doubt, not suspicion.Just steady, unwavering support.
"She'll realize her mistake soon enough," Ethan continues."And when she does, when she comes crawling back, begging for forgiveness, I want you to remember this moment.Remember that I warned you."
"I'll keep that in mind," Hades says quietly."But right now, I think you should leave."
"I'll leave when she asks me to."
"I'm asking," I say, finding my voice again."Please go, Ethan.There's nothing left to say."
Ethan's face cycles through a series of emotions; shock, anger, calculation, and finally cold fury."Fine.Have your little fantasy.But when it falls apart, when you realize what you've thrown away, don't come crying to me."
He straightens his expensive tie, a gesture meant to restore some semblance of dignity."You had everything with me, Evangeline.Stability, security, a future.And you're throwing it all away for what?A criminal and five broken children?"
"I'm not throwing anything away," I say, my voice stronger now with Hades beside me."I'm finally choosing what I want."
