Alle Kapitel von Reborn Husband: Trading Abuse for Redemption: Kapitel 1 – Kapitel 10

When I saw Florence Chastain again—even from a distance—my body started trembling with fear. I instinctively dug my nails into my palms, the sharp sting forcing back the scream rising in my throat.Emmett McKinney grabbed my arm, panic sharpening his voice. "Jesse, are you out of your mind? You're actually just going to stand there and watch Florence step into Gerard the widower's house? Aren't you worried they might—""Worried about what?" I snapped, cutting him off. "They're both adults. What right do we have to interfere?" Emmett stared at me in disbelief. "Aren't you in love with Florence? How can you suddenly act like you don't care at all?"My expression instantly hardened at his words. "Watch your tongue, Emmett. There's nothing going on between me and her. In love? What are you talking about? One more word of slander and I'll rip your mouth apart."Even if I had once harbored an innocent crush on her, I could never admit it now. To get entangled with her again would only

Emmett slipped into the crowd, a triumphant smile on his face. I followed along, but inside, I remained strangely calm. If this were my grand performance, how could it unfold without its lead actor?All along the way, the townspeople swarmed around Emmett, firing questions at him from every side. Walking at the very front, he vividly recounted the scene he claimed to have "witnessed"."I saw Jesse and Florence. Both of them were completely drunk. They were saying things like, 'I've always had a thing for you,' and 'We're finally together at last.'"Emmett exaggerated and embellished the story as he went."After that, they made their way to Gerard's place. I overheard them saying it was the perfect spot since nobody else was around."I just happened to be passing by because I wanted to speak to Jesse about something, but then I saw him and Florence. Oh my goodness, it was simply too scandalous for words!"The townspeople exchanged knowing looks and whispered among themselves."Ge

Greg's expression darkened even further. He spun around, his glare cutting through Florence like a blade."You shameless woman!" he roared. Snatching a broom from behind the door, he charged forward and swung it at her.The broom landed heavily, and Florence cried out in pain. Even then, she didn't dare fight back.Meanwhile, Gerard remained huddled beneath the covers. He was too frightened to move a muscle.As he struck Florence, Greg roared, "You damn city slickers! This town treated you like royalty, and this is how you repay us? You're nothing but ungrateful animals!"A few outspoken women pushed their way through the crowd and shrieked, "Let's get a look at the sleazebag who's been fooling around with these city girls!"With that, they seized a corner of the blanket and yanked it hard. There lay Gerard, completely naked.The entire scene sank into stunned silence, only to erupt moments later into an even louder chorus of gasps and shouts."Gerard Vertes?""What the hell i

This time around, I hoped Florence wouldn't regret her choices.Despite her reluctance, she ultimately signed the marriage papers with Gerard. Her face was stormy and livid the entire time.Living at Jane's house was now entirely out of the question for them. After all, her aunts had already taken it over.At the same time, the students in the dormitory saw the couple as a jinx and refused to let them move back in.In the end, Gerard and Florence had no choice but to stay in a broken-down shack at the edge of town—the very place once used to confine political outcasts.It was a damp, gloomy place—freezing like an ice cellar in winter and swarming with mosquitoes in summer.On my daily commute to and from work, I would pass by that shack. I never stopped, though I would occasionally hear faint sounds coming from within."Tell me the truth! Who does that baby belong to? Were you trying to trick me into fucking raising another man's child?"Gerard's voice was thick with rage, his

"No, you really did come back."Jesse, I know it's you! I was an asshole before, and I'm sorry for how I treated you! Hit me, scream at me—I don't care, as long as it makes you feel better!"Florence's grip was painfully tight. I tried to shake her hand off, but she only tightened her hold."Florence, have you gone crazy? Let go of me!""Jesse, let's get married!"Her words were startling. "I'll divorce Gerard, that abusive prick! I'll do it right now!"Marry me, okay? Let's start over. I'll treat you well. I'll be good to you for the rest of my life!"I could hardly believe my own ears. What kind of delusional fantasy was she voicing out loud?Standing before me, her greasy hair was plastered to her forehead. Her under-eye bags were swollen like blisters, and her sallow face carried an unnatural flush.The old dress she wore was faded and washed out, with filthy black stains caked around the collar and cuffs. It gave off a rancid, nauseating odor.In her current state, did s