Chapter 9

"What?"

Vivienne just stared at him.

He had said no. Cleanly. After weeks of looking after her, fighting for her, risking his marriage for her — and now it was just gratitude?

Stunned, her body went limp, and she started to slip.

For the first time, Damien didn't catch her.

He watched her hit the floor.

His eyes were calm. Warm, even. That was what made it unbearable.

"You pulled me out of selective mutism when I was little. Whatever life I have, I owe you. That's why I protected you after the surgery."

"But that's the limit of it. The storm's passed. Sera isn't pursuing it. I'll set you up with enough to live on. You can stay on at the hospital. I'll move you out of the house as soon as I can. After that, we're friends."

"Vivienne. I love Seraphina. I have always loved Seraphina. She is my only wife."

For years, Vivienne had watched him love that woman. When she came home this year, she'd watched him take her side over and over — fight Seraphina for her, hurt Seraphina for her. She'd been sure this time it was different.

Why was he saying friends?

"Damien..."

He was done.

He picked up his phone and called Seraphina.

Automated voice.

"The number you have dialed is currently turned off."

Off.

In six years of marriage, her phone had never been off.

He looked down at his lock screen — a photo of her laughing in sunlight. Something stalled inside him.

How long had it been since he'd seen her look like that?

These last few months, her face had been colorless. No smile. Just a numb blankness he hadn't wanted to look at.

Especially yesterday.

Coming out of that clinic, she had just stood there. Whatever he said hadn't reached her. Her eyes had been dead. Empty.

And — something close to peace.

Like she'd given up on him.

His stomach dropped.

He forgot Vivienne existed. He went home.