Finally, anger snapped her out of her daze, and she pulled away from Dominic. “That’s ridiculous.” She hurried to stand beside Trey, reading every word on the document.
“Did you sign this with him?” Trey asked softly.
Slowly, the pieces of her mended heart broke again. She did sign it. They were alone that day, making a promise to each other. It was before her parents died. But… No, this wasn’t right.
She moved her glare to Alex. “This is not legal, and you know it. There was no clergyman witnessing our signatures that day.”
Alex tilted his head and smiled. “Oh, my darling, Judith. You cannot deny this. We were betrothed in front of witnesses.”
“My parents did not even know about you.”
A loud moan came from behind as the dowager swooned. Dominic rushed to her side and helped her into a chair while another woman fanned Isabelle’s face. The dowager opened her eyes and met Judith’s gaze.
This wasn’t good for the older woman’s health. Why did Alex pick this day to come? She turned her attention back to Alex. “Will you leave? You are not wanted here.”
He shook his head. “I’m not leaving without my fiancée.”
“I’m not that person.”
“The document proves otherwise.”
Panic consumed Judith, making her breathing quicken. She looked from the dowager to Dominic, then to Trey, silently pleading with them for help. How could she get out of this? Answers weren’t coming to her at all, and she feared what would happen if she left with Alex.
“I—I—” She swallowed hard and looked at Trey again. Confusion clouded his blue eyes as his gaze switched between her and the betrothal document.
“Alex,” she begged, “you don’t understand. I cannot leave with you.”
“What’s not to understand? You are mine. Not theirs. We belong together.”
Tears swam in her eyes and she turned to Trey one more time for help. But there was no help available. Nothing could be done. The false document said it all. If she didn’t leave with Alex now, her name would be ruined, along with the dowager’s. Judith couldn’t do that to her guardian. Not after everything the woman had done for her.
Nodding, she ducked her head and took a step toward Alex, but suddenly, a firm hand grasped her arm, stopping her. She swung her gaze to Trey.
“No,” he said loudly. “I cannot allow her to leave with you, Mr. Cutler.”
“Why not?” Alex snapped.
“Because she has broken the betrothal.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “And how, may I ask, did she do that?”
“She…” Trey’s deep stare penetrated her, his jaw hardened as his lips thinned into a line. He lifted his chin and met Alex’s stare. “Miss Faraday and I were alone together quite a few times since she’s been here. I’m a rogue, Mr. Cutler. Need I say more?”
Judith lost her breath. Yet her heart pounded with excitement. Why did he say that? He hinted to everyone that they’d been intimate. Did he know he’d have to marry her now? And worse, would he blame her for trying to trap him?
Another loud groan came from the dowager as she covered her face with her hands. Gasps ricocheted off the walls and whispers filled the room and grew louder by the second.
Alex’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. “Is this true? Were you intimate with him?”
She nodded, trying not to smile and let everyone know how pleased she was that Trey saved her. “Yes.”
Trey ripped the betrothal document in three pieces and shoved them at Alex’s chest. “Now take this and get off my mother’s property before I call in the guards and have you arrested.”
Alex glared at Trey, then turned his fiery eyes on her. “Mark my words, this is not over.” With that, he turned and marched out of the house.
Standing still, she dared not glance around the room. All eyes were on her and Trey. Heated accusation glares nearly pierced through her.
Cautiously, she looked at Trey. His attention was aimed at the floor as he swiped his fingers through his hair. Several earth-shattering moments passed before he lifted his gaze to hers. Shecouldn’t read his expression. His eyes were wide, and his mouth still pinched in irritation. He looked as helpless as she felt.
