Verity's POV
Monty had just walked out the door when I left too to head to the law firm to print a divorce agreement.
I also got all my personal documents canceled.
The case files? Monty already took them, so going to the police now wouldn’t do me any good.
Leaving—that was my only option.
When I brought the papers to Monty’s police department, I overheard some of his staff talking.
“Is that the Detective Sergeant’s wife? She looks kinda familiar… Wait, wasn’t she part of that Raleighs tragedy five years ago?”
“Wanna get extra drills from the Detective Sergeant? Don’t talk nonsense. He already said she wasn’t the murderer. Shut it—if he hears you, he’ll lose it again. He’s already argued with the Chief enough over this case.”
“That outfit must be worth a fortune. I heard she just got back from France—she’s rich, no way she’d need to kill anyone. And did you see how the Detective Sergeant looked at her? Dang, he looked like he wanted to be glued to her side. If she really was the murderer, he would’ve arrested her on the spot.”
My nails dug deep into my palms.
I was standing outside the office door and heard a voice I knew all too well.
“Has Wiley been treating you well these past few years?
“You know your brother—once he heard I was coming back, he went and bought me a private jet. Wouldn’t take no for an answer. It’s been five years of marriage and he still acts like a kid…”
“That’s good. Then I can stop worrying.” Monty’s voice was full of bitterness, low and heavy.
“Monty, hey, I really owe you for what happened back then. If not for you, I might still be rotting in jail.
“By the way, I think I’ll skip tomorrow’s family dinner. Don’t wanna upset Verity. I mean, every time she sees me, she remembers Uncle Rauben and Auntie Aurelia. I don’t want her blowing up at you again…”
That’s always how Sylvie was—taking all the benefits, then turning around to throw shade at me. Mocking and sarcastic.
Back when Monty was investigating the case, I’d secretly read the files.
I knew she was the only suspect.
At the wedding, I called her out in front of everyone—said she was the one who killed my parents.
Tried to have her taken to the police department.
But everyone sided with her.
Everyone said I was immature and didn’t know what I was talking about.
Only Monty stepped in for me.
He became my one and only salvation.
But now…
He’s the one pushing me off the edge.
Inside the office, I could see him giving a bitter smile and pulling out a ceramic figurine from a drawer.
“I made this myself. It’s nothing fancy like what you’d buy in a mall, but it’s from the heart. I heard you’re pregnant—consider it a little welcome gift for the baby.”
Sylvie took it with a smile, even playfully stuck out her tongue.
Meanwhile, my hands were shaking so hard they rattled the door.
The noise made Monty glance through the glass. As soon as he saw me standing outside, his face instantly tightened.
“Verity? What are you doing here?
“Don’t get the wrong idea. Sylvie just got back, came by to say hi, catch up, and talk about the family dinner tomorrow.”
“Hey, Verity. Long time no see.”
Sylvie stood up, dressed head to toe in the latest designer couture.
Her expensive appearance made me look like some village bumpkin.
I just smiled, swallowed my bitterness, and said, “It’s okay. Just happened to be nearby and thought I’d drop by. Since you’re busy, I’ll head out.”
Monty must’ve thought I was upset—he chased after me, trying to explain.
“Verity, don’t overthink it. Sylvie’s pregnant too. I just wanted to ask her for advice so I could take better care of you.”
Seeing how worried he looked for me—honestly, I almost laughed.
To protect Sylvie, he broke all his principles.
Even threw away his own marriage.
‘If he already got what he wanted, then who’s he still pretending for?’
