Chapter 5

Tessa's fingers halted inches from my face as she stared at me, bewildered.

Each time our eyes met, I was haunted by the sickening noises from that fateful night in the hospital room.

I struggled to keep my stomach contents down.

"Tessa, it's finished between us."

I avoided looking at her distressed expression.

"Being in your presence for even a moment fills me with utter revulsion."

"Put your name on the paperwork, let's end this marriage amicably."

"You wouldn't want everyone finding out about your intimate encounter with my brother by the hospital bed, would you?"

There was a brief pause.

Tessa stamped her foot forcefully.

"Howard, don't you dare!" She practically spat the words through clenched teeth.

"I'll never agree to divorce you, not in this lifetime!" She stormed off.

My frail body was already unsteady.

I leaned against a column at the hotel's entrance, offering an apologetic smile to Michelle Wanda.

She gazed at me with a mix of emotions.