"Gwendolen, I know you're angry, but you shouldn't take it out on a child like that. If we're not welcome here, then we'll just leave."
Nolan stopped them.
"I never realized you could be so vicious. Apologize to Maggie and her son. And you—go sleep in the living room. For the next few days this is Curt's room."
His eyes were hard, his voice cold. Edward shrank against me, frightened.
"He's your son. Why should he have to give it up?"
I didn't back down. We'd both died once already. He wanted to look after his sister-in-law and nephew; well, I meant to protect my son.
"Because this is my compound. Without me, you wouldn't be living here at all."
"Nolan, I want a divorce."
Nolan stared at me in disbelief.
"Gwendolen, do you think that because I can't divorce you right now, you can talk to me like this? Without being Mrs. James, do you honestly believe anyone would even know who you are?"
I turned my head and smiled. So all these years, in his eyes, I'd been worth nothing.
"Maggie's a nurse. She's more useful than you. With her at my side, I can get into the military. And you? What can you do besides cook and mind a kid at home? Bringing her back to the Capital is the right choice, the only choice."
His words drove into my chest like needles, one after another, each one a sharp, throbbing ache.
Eight years. I had stayed by his side for eight full years. Not one word of praise, not one word of thanks, not even a single acknowledgment of how hard I'd worked. It all came down to three cold words: I was useless.
"Then submit the divorce paperwork once we're back in the Capital. I wouldn't want to stand in the way of Battalion Commander James's rise to fame and fortune."
I packed Edward's things one by one and set them neatly in the living room, spreading out a thick pad for him. I made no more fuss. Maggie and Curt watched us, smug, their eyes full of victory.
Nolan disappeared into the kitchen to busy himself alone.
"Sweetheart, this room's a little small, but it's fine. Once we're in the big city, you'll live in a real house, nothing these country bumpkins could ever match. Don't be upset."
"Hmph. Uncle said everything of his will be mine one day. He'll treat me just like his own son."
My son looked up at me. I clenched my fists tight. Nolan really couldn't wait, could he? Last time he'd only laid his cards on the table after Maggie died. This time around, he'd done it right from the start.
If he wanted Curt to be his son so badly, then I'd let him have it. I only hoped he could bear the consequences when they came.
The next day, as I was gathering my things, Nolan caught my hand the moment he saw. The menace in his eyes was plain.
"Are you scheming something behind my back again? I told you, this time I have to take the two of them ahead first. Just do as you're told, and once I've got everything arranged, I'll come back for you right away."
I let out a cold laugh and shook off his hand.
"Don't bother. Keep your Maggie in line and stay out of my way. Otherwise, I can't say what I might do if I really lose it."
"Gwendolen, don't push me!"
I saw the killing intent in his eyes. Eight years of standing by him, and this was what I got in return—a look meant to kill. How absurd.
"Nothing can change this outcome. Anyone who touches those two is going up against me, and I won't show any mercy."
His words slammed into me like a great iron hammer. I never knew his feelings for Maggie ran so deep.
"I'm only packing. Why are you so on edge? If you're that afraid of what I might do to her, then keep a close watch on her."
"Packing won't do you any good. It's already been stamped and sealed. Nothing can change it, so don't get any funny ideas."
By the fourth day, I finally received the train tickets they'd sent over, and the worry pressing on me eased just a little.
