Chapter 8
“Aurora!” Kieran rushed over to Aurora, his fingers gently touching the red mark on her face.
“She hit you? What the hell happened?“]
Aurora tearfully spilled her sob story, and Kieran’s face got blacker with every word.[]
“It’s just a fucking shawl–you seriously hit her over that?” He whipped around to face Lorraine, his voice like ice.
“Just a shawl?” Lorraine’s voice was shaking. “Kieran, that was the only thing my grandmother left me!“]
Kieran went still for a second.[]
In three years of marriage, Lorraine had always been soft–spoken and composed–he’d never even heard her raise her voice.
Seeing her with red–rimmed eyes and trembling shoulders made her seem like a complete stranger.
Aurora didn’t mean to ruin it,” his tone softened slightly, “and she already paid you back. What more do you want? If the money wasn’t enough, I’ll cover it.“]
He pulled out his checkbook from his jacket, scrawled a number, and held it out: “Is this enough?“[]
Lorraine stared at the check Kieran was offering, feeling like an invisible hand was crushing her heart, making it impossible to breathe.[]
When she didn’t take it right away, Kieran frowned, tore off another check and wrote down a bigger number.
“Not enough?” His tone was flat, like he was negotiating some business deal. “How about this?”
Check after check got shoved in front of Lorraine, the amounts climbing higher, but her heart just kept getting colder.]
Finally, she reached out and took the last check, her fingers trembling slightly.[]
“That’s enough.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but it took everything she had.]
Kieran.]
This check wasn’t the only thing that was enough…]
This whole fucking marriage was enough too.
She turned to leave, but before she could take two steps, Kieran’s cold voice stopped her-
“STOP!”
Lorraine froze but didn’t turn around.
“You took the money, but we’re not done with that slap yet.” His tone left no room for argument. “Apologize to Aurora.“]]
Lorraine went rigid, slowly turning around with her eyes red: “What did you say?“[]
Kieran’s stare was ice–cold: “I said apologize.”
“And if I don’t?” Her voice was shaking.
“The Castillo and Harper families still have business together.” Kieran’s voice was casual, but every word was a threat.
Lorraine’s eyes went wide, her heart feeling like it had been stabbed.]
She never imagined he’d actually threaten her family’s business.
The air felt frozen for a few seconds.
Finally, Lorraine slowly bowed her head, her voice hoarse: “…I’m sorry.”
Aurora kept her hand pressed to her cheek: “Lorraine, are you actually sorry? Or is this just how you rich bitches apologize–all fake and half–assed?“]
Lorraine clenched her fists so tight her nails cut into her palms.[]
The next second, she bent over in a deep bow toward Aurora-
“I’m sorry!” Her voice was breaking, but every word was crystal clear. “Aurora, I was completely out of line hitting you. Please forgive me!”
She straightened up and locked eyes with Kieran: “Is that good enough for you?“]
Kieran stared at her red eyes, and something twisted in his chest.]
He suddenly remembered three years ago when she had a high fever–she’d looked at him with those same red eyes, but back then they’d been full of love and dependence.]]
Now, those eyes were just… empty.[]
His throat worked like he wanted to say something, but all that came out was: “That’s fine.“]]
His t
Lorraine turned and walked away, her back straight, not looking back once.
Behind her, she heard Kieran’s voice go all gentle: “Does it still hurt? Let me get you some ice.“]
Aurora’s sweet voice replied: “It really hurts… be gentle…”
Lorraine didn’t slow down, tears silently falling before she quickly wiped them away, refusing to let them see her break
