Chapter 13
Isabelle’s panic showed as she gripped his wrist.
“Why? You weren’t like this before. You said you loved me, that you’d make me your wife, that you’d make up for everything. What changed?”
“Is it Celeste’s lies? She’s a fallen woman! What could she want from you other than money? Wake up!”
Her voice rose to a shriek.
Weston coldly shrugged her off.
“I am awake. I know exactly what I want.”
Thadn’t expected Weston to defend me.
No matter what, I had to face the weight of the past myself.
Facing the curious parents, I stepped forward to tell my story.
“I was Weston’s wife. My family fell apart, leaving me drowning in debt. I won’t deny that marrying him was far from graceful. But I saved him from that fire, and I lost my sight doing it. He owes me that life.
After our marriage, I tried to be the best wife I could, even though he spent every moment pining for the woman disrupting this school. I stayed quiet, resigned to live in darkness alone.
One night, Weston came home drunk and assaulted me. That night, I conceived our children. I bore all his resentment in silence. Even after
the twins were born, he never stepped into the role of a father. His heart was with her.
I had no choice but to leave with my children. And now, he’s back saying he regrets it. If this woman’s actions only impacted me, I would let it go. But she’s attacking my children’s safety and well–being. That, I will not tolerate.
I am not
ot the one at fault. They are.”
When I finished, the burden that had weighed on me for years felt lifted.
Many of the mothers in the crowd–wives left alone as their husbands worked–nodded in understanding.
The murmurs turned to support.
“She was his wife; you have no right to cause trouble. I support Ms. Monroe.”
“So do I.”
“Leave now!”
Isabelle, seeing the shift in the crowd and Weston’s cold expression, turned desperate.
“Weston, I’ll tell you everything. I invested poorly overseas. I’m drowning in debt. The money you gave me wasn’t enough. Would you really watch me be beaten to death by debt collectors?”
Weston’s brow furrowed, a glint of realization crossing his eyes.
“So that’s why you came back.”
<
Before Isabelle could protest further, the police arrived and dragged her away.
