FROM SCUMBAG EX TO SCUMBAG HUSBAND のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 81 - チャプター 90

Killian's POVSomething was wrong.I stirred in bed, my hand automatically reaching for Elara, but her side was empty. Cold.My eyes flew open, and I sat up quickly, my heart already starting to pound. Where was she?I turned on the bedside lamp, blinking against the sudden light. That's when I saw her.Elara stood by the door, completely still, staring down at something on the floor. She was like a statue, frozen in place."Elara?" My voice came out rough with sleep. "What are you doing there?"She didn't answer. Didn't even move.Now I was really worried. I threw off the covers and crossed the room in quick strides."Elara, what's…"Then I saw what she was staring at, and I froze.On the floor, right outside our bedroom door, was our wedding photo. The one that usually sat on the mantle in the living room downstairs.Except Elara's face had been scratched out. Violently. Repeatedly. The glass was cracked, and someone had used something sharp to destroy her image, leaving only torn p

Elara's POVI watched from the window as Killian's car disappeared down the driveway, taking Bella back to the hospital.Relief washed over me so strongly my knees felt weak. She was leaving. Finally leaving.I pressed my hand against my chest, feeling my racing heart slowly start to calm down. The tension that had been coiled in my shoulders for the past day began to ease.Our home would be ours again. No more walking on eggshells. No more scratched photos or midnight footsteps or feeling watched in my own house.I took a deep breath and checked my watch. I needed to get to work. The company wouldn't run itself, and I'd already taken so much time off dealing with family drama.Time to get back to normal. Whatever normal meant anymore.I got dressed quickly in a professional navy suit and grabbed my bag. My driver was still recovering from surgery, so I'd have to drive myself today. Sarah had texted earlier saying she had a morning dentist appointment, so she'd meet me at the office l

Elara's POVThe words hung in the air like poison."Does he know you lost a child before?"My hands were shaking. My entire body was shaking. I could feel the blood draining from my face, could feel my heart pounding so hard it hurt.How did he know? How could he possibly know?I turned slowly to face Leandro fully, forcing my voice to stay steady even though everything inside me was screaming. "I won't ask how you got that information."He smirked, that cruel, victorious smirk that made me want to slap it off his face."But what I choose to tell my husband," I continued, my voice getting stronger, "is none of your business. Do you understand me? None. Of. Your. Business."Leandro laughed. Actually laughed. The sound was harsh and mocking and filled with bitter satisfaction."Oh, Elara," he said, shaking his head like I was a naive child. "You really think you can keep secrets from him forever? You think your perfect little marriage will survive when he finds out you've been lying to

Elara's POVI didn't sleep at all that night.I lay in bed beside Killian, listening to his steady breathing, my mind racing with thoughts of Aunt Isadora and Adrian. The photos burned behind my eyelids every time I closed my eyes. Her smile. His relaxed posture. The comfortable way they sat together like old friends.Like conspirators.By the time morning light started filtering through the curtains, I'd made my decision. I needed to confront her. Face to face. Today.But I wouldn't tell Killian.He had enough on his plate already. Dealing with Bella at the hospital, managing the investigation into the fire at her house, running his company. The last thing he needed was more drama from my family.I'd handle this myself.When Killian woke up, I was already dressed, sitting at the vanity and putting on my earrings."You're up early," he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep.I forced a smile into the mirror, meeting his eyes in the reflection. "Busy day ahead. Lots of meetings."H

Elara's POV"Is that a threat, Aunt?" I asked, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through my veins."It's a promise," she hissed back.We stood there, inches apart, her breath hot on my face. I could see the rage burning in her eyes, could feel the violence radiating off her in waves.But I didn't move. Didn't step back. Didn't show weakness.Because if I backed down now, she would know she'd won. She would know she could intimidate me, control me, manipulate me just like she'd been doing my whole life."Go ahead then," I said quietly, my voice like steel. "Do it. Raise your hand to me. Show everyone what you really are."Her face twisted with fury. Her hand twitched at her side, and for a moment, I genuinely thought she was going to hit me.Then she grabbed my arm instead, her fingers digging into my skin so hard I knew there would be bruises."You ungrateful little…"The door burst open."Mrs. Alonso, I have those reports you…" A young woman in a crisp business suit froze in