Chapter 2

Robert didn't return until the following afternoon. I'd just gotten back from Bobby Owens' office.

Besides the prenup, I'd also learned that my parents had bought me a house abroad—my final safety net.

The shattered porcelain from yesterday had been swept clean. When Robert saw me, he pulled out a small box.

"Got you something."

I opened it. A pair of emerald earrings lay nestled inside.

I stared down at them, saying nothing. The tiny flicker of hope that had sparked in my chest instantly died.

"You forgot, didn't you? I've never had my ears pierced."

Robert's hand froze mid-reach. He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Jessica's credentials aren't quite strong enough yet. She needs a more authoritative publication to support her tenure bid. I'm planning to give her your father's unpublished research—might as well put it to good use now that he's gone."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My ears filled with the echo of that phone call from the police station, from the hospital.

My parents had been struck by a speeding BMW. Killed instantly.

They never got to say goodbye.

But the recommendation letter they'd been carrying for Robert? Not a scratch on it.

My parents had loved me enough to ensure I wouldn't marry a man without prospects. They'd done everything to help Robert secure his position.

All because he'd been in such a rush to start his career.

I hurled the earring box at him, my voice raw with fury.

"Have you lost your mind?!"

"That's my parents' legacy!"

"They died because of you!"

"We agreed—in two years, I'd use those research findings to return to work!"

"Robert... do you have any moral compass left?!"

A coy laugh shattered the tension.

Jessica emerged from the study wearing my robe, a massive emerald necklace glittering at her throat—far superior in quality to my earrings.

Understanding crashed over me.

My earrings had been an afterthought—something Robert grabbed after buying her necklace.

Jessica's eyes glinted with triumph.

"First of all, thank you for the gorgeous gift, Robert."

"Second, Scarlett, don't get so worked up. When I get tenure, it'll only help Robert's career, won't it?"

"From now on, you can take care of him at home, and I'll take care of him at work. I don't mind the extra effort."

"After all... we both know he's hardly ever home anyway."

The relentless provocation made my whole body shake with rage.

Before I could think, I crossed the room and slapped her hard across the face.

"Scarlett!"

Robert shoved me backward. I slammed into the sharp corner of the marble kitchen island, and pain exploded through my lower back. Blood seeped through my shirt.

The agony was so intense I could barely form words.

Robert's face darkened. His voice was ice.

"Scarlett! No amount of screaming will change the fact that they're dead."

"You're just a housewife. After being away from the lab for so long, you really think you can go back to how things were?"

"Your entire life depends on me now."

"And you dare lay a hand on her?"

He grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking my head back. "Apologize to Jessica. Now."

Jessica cowered in Robert's arms, the picture of wounded innocence.

I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed my bag—the divorce papers I'd drafted were still inside.

Just as I was about to throw the agreement in their faces, my phone rang.

A hospital.

"Is this Jimmy Sullivan's parent?"

"Jimmy's been injured. He's at the hospital now. You need to come immediately."