Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 11

Effie stood there, cold and unyielding, watching as Mitchell helped Suzan up off the floor. Suzan practically melted into his arms, leaning against him as if she had no strength left to stand on her own.

"I'm fine, Mitchell," Suzan said in a small, trembling voice. "Really, I just tripped. It wasn't my sister's fault, but she seemed really upset. I think she misunderstood. And... I broke her lucky charm, so she's angry at me, too..."

Effie observed the scene, the corners of her mouth curling into a mocking smile. Suzan's performance was as flawless as ever-so delicate and pitiful that anyone watching would feel compelled to pity her.

Mitchell glanced down at Suzan, concern flickering in his eyes. Suddenly, his expression hardened. "What happened to your face?" he demanded.

"Mitchell, please don't blame my sister..." Suzan's meaning was clear, even if she didn't spell it out.

The light above cast shadows across Mitchell's face, making the sharp lines of his features stand out even more. The play of light and shadow made Effie feel momentarily dizzy, as if the whole scene were a dream.

Then Mitchell's voice rang out, strong and commanding, leaving no room for argument. "Effie, apologize to Suzan now. No matter what, you can't just hit someone."

gaze as sharp as a blade as she looked

what's happened to you? I'm really disappointed. I'll say

Effie scoffed, her eyes flashing with icy defiance. "Mitchell, let me make this clear-I will never

tone pushed Mitchell over the edge. Without thinking, he raised his

pressed her hand to her burning cheek, her fingers trembling. The disbelief

she finally spoke, her

his palm stinging. He stared at the red mark blooming on Effie's cheek, and a wave of regret and panic washed over him. “Effie,

together, I've never even laid a finger on you. But

once. Not that it mattered

her back, her face pale, her eyes red-rimmed.

she turned to

as he instinctively reached out to stop her.