The storm howled outside, rain hammering against the windows as Jared’s words made my blood run cold.

Why was he asking this now? Was he worried I’d discovered his secret, or was this his way of coming clean? Would he sit me down again to negotiate his relationship with Tracy, just like before? My mind raced with questions.

Back then, I’d been such a fool, clinging to that worthless marriage certificate, refusing to surrender my place.

This time around, I would gladly accept if Jared offered the same deal again, taking only the money and nothing more when I left.

“What’s wrong? Got something to hide?” I asked, forcing a teasing tone I didn’t feel.

Jared was dangerous–a man who could smile while burning with rage inside, and then retaliate in ways his victims never anticipated.

If he dropped the act of caring about our marriage, I’d lose everything. My

on my face. After a long pause, he said, “Don’t believe anything you hear. They’re just rumors without substance. Yvonne

reconcile this behavior with the Jared I knew. His suggestion to ignore the rumors while using our

promises but wouldn’t admit it, making me question myself while denying every rumor. Still, I knew one truth–rumors didn’t start without reason, and

I said, stepping closer with a carefully crafted smile. “You’re the only one

of hair from my face. “How are

should go home ahead of me. Yvonne and I… we’re

Tonight, it’s just the two of us.” Jared’s voice was

fabric slipping just enough

he could finish, his lips brushed my shoulder. “Don’t work late. Go home early.” There was a roughness in his voice I. hadn’t heard

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