Timothy's sharp, handsome features were so dark with anger, it was as if a storm cloud hung over his face. Whatever patience he had left was vanishing fast.

"Jessica." His voice was icy, each word razor-edged. "Have I been too lenient with you?"

He'd compromised again and again, thinking she'd finally meet him halfway.

But instead he let out a short, humorless laugh.

Without warning, Timothy grabbed her wrist, his grip harsh and unyielding.

A fierce pain shot up Jessica's arm, and before she could react, he'd all but manhandled her into the car.

The door slammed shut behind her.

She reached out, trying to open it, but Timothy had already locked it. He strode around to the driver's side, only unlocking the doors once he was seated behind the wheel.

Jessica tried again to reach for the handle, but Timothy pulled her back, his hand firm and unbending.

"Must you ruin everything?" he snapped.

Yesterday, he'd made Henry copy out "A Mother's Love" a hundred times as punishment, then took him to the amusement park as a reward. He'd insisted Jessica come along, hoping their first family outing would teach Henry to show his mom some respect.

gone to all that trouble, and

thought of her as a sensible, gracious wife

she'd been disappointing

hands, signing, *You know I'm

you like it or not! Who gave you the right to

pushing him right

really going to let one

jaw clenched as he yanked the seatbelt across her, fastening it

distant, so cold,

felt like a trick of

it. From the day she married him, Jessica was under no illusions about their differences. She'd always been

she'd learned to swallow countless jabs and taunts; pride was

has

through her last line

woman, a legal citizen-she had the right to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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