But it doesn’t matter. A phantom warmth brushes over the cheek that Karl backhanded. Sebastian held me and made sure I was okay. Pressed a careful, featherlight kiss on the throbbing spot, like he could take away the pain. I grip the edge of the vanity in the bathroom and stare at my reflection. I can see him brushing his lips on my temple, wrapping his strong arm around my shoulders, silently communicating that he’s got my back.
I shiver at the memories of an affection and love that weren’t real. Tears prickle my eyes. It’s unfair that this haunts me when I know the truth.
How could he have acted like he cared? Why did he touch me like I mattered to him?
Why, oh why, did he come after me once he’d gotten what he wanted? Why did he crouch down and look up at me, his whole body tense, imploring me for a chance?
Doesn’t he know that some betrayals can’t be righted? That some lines, once crossed, can never be retreated from?
Sometimes there can’t be another chance.
I see my phone plugged into the charger by the bed. Must’ve been Matthias’s doing. I don’t remember bringing it from the office.
I have to put a stop to the awful memories. There’s simply no living like this.
I pick up the phone and text Jeremiah.
–Me: Can you file for divorce?
Several moments pass. It suddenly hits me that she might veto the idea because the relocation of our headquarters hasn’t been fully completed yet.
But I have to do this. For my own sanity.
–Jeremiah: Yes. Perfect timing, too. Congratulations. Now Peery Diamonds is officially an American company. It has no ties to Nesovia.
I gasp, my hand over my face.I did it. Elation sweeps through me, followed by swift bitterness. How ironic that what I did to be free of that godawful country led me to getting kicked out of management and having my heart trampled in the process.
I shake my head. I shouldn’t be negative about this. It’s a huge milestone. I lost my CEO position, and my heart throbs mercilessly, but I should be proud of what I’ve accomplished. Hopefully my action showed those suited Neanderthals that they need to treat their women better if they want to keep talent and businesses in their country.
–Me: Thank you.
–Jeremiah: My pleasure. As for the divorce, it’ll take a while, but we’ll have everything going smoothly. I presume we’re going to abide by the contract you signed with the Comtois family?
–Me: Yes.
–Jeremiah: Got it. Although it’s too bad I can’t flex my legal muscles to get you more.
I almost smile at that. Maybe if I hated Sebastian, I’d ask her to go for the jugular. But I don’t hate him. I’m not even bitter.
I’m disappointed and heartbroken. The ache that’s been plaguing me might never ease.
But it isn’t the first time that someone close has hurt me. I just have to keep my chin up and continue with my life.
Chapter 40
Sebastian
Christoph’s voice comes from the intercom. “Sebastian, somebody is here to see you. A Yuna Winters? She doesn’t have an appointment, though.”
She must be here for my wife. “Send her in.”
“Okay. But you have a meeting in ten.”
“Reschedule it.” This is more important.
Yuna walks in. She’s of average height, but her presence is anything but average. She walks with an overweening confidence, like she expects people to fall to their knees and welcome her wherever she goes. Her dress is made of scarlet silk and flares out dramatically around her legs. She’s slim, and a small Birkin bag hangs off her pale wrist. A wide-brimmed hat sits on her head, and she looks at me straight, her haughty eyes slightly narrowed, her mouth flat and disapproving.
She doesn’t wait for an invitation before sitting and crossing her legs. She steeples hands that have exceptionally long fingers. Interestingly, the nails are trimmed short, and only a diamond ring and a wedding band adorn her fingers, although her ears and throat are practically dripping with gems.
