Chapter 5

But I didn't have much of a choice.

I had to go.

Besides, I wanted to see what kind of trap they'd set.

After hanging up, I went back to the hotel, packed my things, and clipped a hidden camera to my collar.

Then I took a cab to the Boyd estate.

When I pushed open the front door, the living room was bright.

Still felt cold.

Luther sat on the couch, his face dark.

Around him were my father, my stepmother, and a bunch of relatives from my side.

Every single one looked at me like I was the problem.

I had barely stepped inside when one of them snapped, "Jolene, why are you being so difficult? What did Luther even do to you? He made the kind of mistake all men make. Did you really have to blow it up and embarrass the Boyd family?"

Another jumped in.

"Exactly. Luther's career is taking off. After your stunt, his whole future could be ruined. That's vicious. Did you even think about your husband?"

Someone else scoffed.

"You're too sensitive. Too petty. A man as successful as Luther is obviously going to have women around him. Besides, he didn't bring her home. That means he still cares about you and this family."

"Know when to stop. Delete everything online and go back to Luther. Let it go."

The blame came from every side.

I stood there, silent.

Not one of them cared about the truth.

Not one asked how much it hurt.

All they knew how to do was blame me and protect Luther.

In their eyes, a successful man could do whatever he wanted.

His wife just had to take it.

Otherwise, she was difficult.

A problem.

Eventually, they ran out of things to say.

The room went quiet.

That was when Erica spoke. "Jolene, I know you're hurt. Luther was wrong."

She took my hand, all fake concern. "But he knows that. He's willing to make it up to you. Stop making this bigger than it needs to be, okay? Keeping the family together matters most."

My father nodded. "Erica's right. Stop obsessing over it. Go back and live a good life with Luther. Focus on being a good wife and mother instead of causing trouble."

I stared at their fake faces.

My heart went cold.

I didn't nod.

I didn't argue.

I just stood there.

The second they saw I wasn't giving in, their patience snapped.

My father's face darkened.

He stared at me, his voice dropping into a threat. "Jolene, I'm trying to be reasonable. Don't forget, your mother fought hard to arrange this match before she died. She pulled every string she had for your future with Luther. If you divorce him now, how will you face her?"

He paused.

His eyes went colder. "And one more thing. If you keep pushing this, if you insist on divorcing Luther and destroying everything, then I'll have to reconsider whether you get your mother's ashes back."