Papa! That Bad Man Hit My Mom!

re him a glance. Each step I took was a release, a shed layer of the old Addison. The

me. Bennett. He had caught up,

rsh whisper, laced with a new desperation. "You can't just wa

. He guarded his personal life, and especially mine, with an intensity that bordered on possessiveness. The thought of him witnessing this cr

, and a profound understanding. He wouldn't appreciate me lingering in the presence of som

s eyes. "Look, Addison, I know you're upset. But you're being irrational. This little stun

orporate gala. Everyone important will be there. Aurelis Capital is hosting. You could come." He paused, scanning my simple, elegant

voice firm. "I

t do you mean, no? It's an opportunity, Addison. To see how far I've c

. He truly believed he was offering me a lif

ted, pulling my arm

oice sharp and cold. "Be that way. Always so difficult. So cheap." He glared at my dress, then a

earby. "Chloe!" he barked. "You're coming

Really? I'd love to! I just need to go home and change into someth

terest for me. My world was so far removed from theirs now, their petty

h. "Oh, and Bennett," I said, without looking back, "you might want

feeling lighter, freer than I had in years. The airpor

arents to marry well, to secure a future. I had been so

the courthouse. We can make it offici

he day, the very hour, we were supp

eeds me. It' s a marriage of convenience. Just a month. You u

broken heart was just a side effect, easily mended

ved Bennett died. That ni

y," I told them, my v

ic. I didn't care. I just need

aw. To me, he was patient, kind, fiercely protective. He had given me a sanct

eason for returning to New York, to visit my family

How much I had gained. The man I had once loved was a stranger, a ghost of a past I no longer mo

anel, its elegance screaming understated wealth. My diamond bracelet, now repaired by Damon's personal jeweler, gleamed on my wrist. My hair was tied up in a chic, messy bun, and my make

er with alcohol, widened. A predatory smile stretched across his f

gleaming with a sickening mix of triumph and lust. "Addison! You came!"

uld make an appearance, and I'd just fall at your feet? I told you, you need to dress the par

ble, but he blocked my path. His hand shot out,

o hard, and failing. You're supposed to be over there." He pointed to a small, isolated table near the

ed, my voice calm but firm, "is over there." I pointed towards

, drained of color. He saw the empty chair at the head table, right next to the reserv

wearing that hideous fake bracelet again! The audacity!" She glared at me, her face a mask of pure venom. "She's tryin

ell across the room, drew every eye to us. The sp