Chapter 14
Veronica’s POV
Carter moved away from me but he didn’t let me move completely to Orthon. He was glaring between us both now.
“I haven’t signed the papers yet.” he growled. “You’re still my wife, Veronica, and I have every right to touch you however I want!”
Those words rang in my head like a curse. Wife. He wielded that title like a weapon, a leash meant to keep me tethered to him.
“I’d like to see you stop her from leaving,” Orthon said coldly, and both. men glared at each other.
I turned toward him, eager to just use the door and leave this suffocating restroom but as soon as I stepped outside, I bumped into Meghan. Her worried expression immediately changed. She stopped short when she saw me, her eyes narrowing as they swept over my outfit. A smug smile played on her lips.
“Well, well,” she drawled, her voice dripping with mockery. “Look at you, Veronica. All dressed up. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
I squared my shoulders, refusing to let her see me falter. “Excuse me,” I said, trying to step around her, but she sidestepped to block me, her grin widening.
“Oh, don’t rush off,” she said, her tone deceptively sweet. “I just have to know–who’s the new sugar daddy funding your little makeover? You didn’t look half this pretty before.”
Her words were a sharp slap, but I held my ground. “You really should
work on your insults, Meghan. They’re getting stale.”
Her laugh was harsh, cutting through the air like a whip. “Oh, come on. It‘ s obvious. Carter throws you out, and what? A few days later, you show up in diamonds and designer clothes. Let me guess–you latched onto some rich old man you met on the way? How predictable. You just couldn’t wait to finally feel important, like you belong in the class of the rich.”
“Unlike you, I don’t need a man to define my worth,” I snapped, my voice steady despite the anger boiling beneath the surface. It was taking a lot. from me to keep from slapping this infuriating woman or, better still, shoving her out of my way.
Before Meghan could respond, the restroom door swung open, and Carter walked in, his expression dark. His jaw was tight as his gaze darted between us.
“What’s going on here?” he demanded, his tone sharp and angry. I couldn’t help but wonder if he fought with his uncle in there.
I definitely hoped not. The last thing I needed was to bring rivalry
between them.
Meghan shrugged her smirk still in place. “Just a little girl talk. I was curious how Veronica managed to upgrade so quickly after you dumped her.”
Carter’s eyes locked onto me, his gaze hard. “You’re still my wife, Veronica,” he said, his voice low and possessive. “Don’t forget that.”
I crossed my arms, my patience wearing thin. “I am not your wife. This marriage is over for me so do yourself a favour and sign the papers. Let me go!”
“Maybe I don’t want to let you go,” he replied, stepping closer.
I elenched my fists, ready to argue, when a deep voice interrupted. “Maybe you should’ve learned to cherish her when you had the chance.”
We all turned toward the door, where Orthon stood, his tall frame and piercing gaze commanding the room. His expression was calm but deadly, and his focus was entirely on Carter.
“You don’t deserve her.” Orthon said bluntly. “You never did.” His eyes. shifted to Meghan, who shrank under his gaze. “And you–you’re nothing. more than a parasite. Your petty games won’t work here. Leave.”
Meghan flushed with anger, her cheeks burning red. “Right! So you are. the one she’s sleeping with now, huh? I don’t know who you think you are.” she began, but Orthon cut her off with a sharp look.
“Mindful of your words, little pest. Unlike Carter, I don’t have the patience to entertain your insults. Say one more word and I promise your that you will lose that tongue of yours!” he said. His voice was calm, but the threat sent chills running down my spine as well and Meghan paled
out
Her mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air, but she said. nothing. Instead, she huffed and stormed out, her heels clicking angrily against the tiled floor.
Carter turned to face Orthon, his jaw clenched. “This has nothing to do with you, Uncle,” he said, his voice tight.
“It has everything to do with me,” Orthon replied, his tone steady. “You’ve taken someone who loves you and treated her like she’s disposable. And now, you’re trying to guilt her into staying because you can’t handle your own failures.”
“This isn’t your business,” Carter hissed, his fists clenching at his sides. “This is between me and my wife!”
Wow! I almost laughed in his face. For three years, he didn’t acknowledge ine as anything and now, all of a sudden, he is possessive about me Calling me his wife? A title I had begged him for years to acknowledge.
“It became my business the moment you started dragging Veronica through this mess,” Orthon said.
I stepped forward, cutting through the tension. “Enough,” I said, my voice exhausted from the whole drama. “Carter, this is pointless. Just sign the contract and let me go. I don’t wish to discuss this any further with you.
I took Orthon’s hand and he led me out of the restaurant. I tried my best not to tremble as we walked but my sweaty palms and heavy breathing betrayed me.
We stopped just outside the restaurant.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softening with concern.
I nodded, though my composure was crumbling. “I just… I don’t know what to do if Carter doesn’t sign. I can’t live like this anymore. He never wanted me and now I have accepted it, he won’t let me go. I’m tired…”
Orthon stepped forward, pulling me into a comforting hug. It was one thing I had come to love about him. His warm hugs.
“You don’t have to do it all alone. You deserve better than this. Veronica. Let me help you.”
I looked up at him and he smiled, brushing the stray tear off my cheeks.
“Don’t ruin your makeup, pretty one. I have a plan,” he told me.
“Really? What is it?”
