Don't fool me, Ex. I'll never marry you (again).
I could hear Mike chuckle—a sound I once thought was so soothing, but now sounded like sandpaper on my skin.
"Now, drink this wine. It's very expensive; I ordered it specifically to celebrate our plan, which is almost complete, babe."
I clenched my fists until my nails dug into my palms, leaving painful crescent marks. The plan that is almost complete. That sentence was the confirmation of all my suspicions.
"Once the marriage contract is signed the day after tomorrow," Mike continued in an authoritative tone, "all assets in Bella's name, including her parents' inherited land, will be under my legal control. Bella won't have the power to fight back anymore."