The Cherished Wife

Henry was out of patience with Layla's drama. "Jordan, she's your wife now, which makes her part of the Langford family. You know what to do." He gave Jordan a look of regret.

If only Tania had chosen Jordan back then, he would have been a decent choice. Too bad he and Anna were not meant to be.

"Got it!" Jordan agreed. "I won't bother you anymore." He took Layla's hand firmly. "Come on, we're going home!"

"I won't go, Dad. Please listen to me. I've always been your daughter! You... Tania left us three years ago and never treated us like her real parents. She didn't even come home when her mom was dying..."

"Stop! Just stop. I'm done listening to you trash-talk Anna. I've done more than enough for you," Henry declared. Without his help back in the day, Layla would never have had a shot at marrying Jordan considering her background. Sure, the Langfords were not the top dogs in Brookville, but they were a respected literary family, and Jordan was a catch.

ready to throw in the towel, even though Henry was done playing

hands off me!" Layla snapped, jerking away from Jordan's grip and shooting him a death glare. "You think you're so great? Why can't you put in a good

Layla fuming and stamping her foot, muttering, "Tania? Yeah, right,

did you

She stumbled, caught herself against the wall, and turned to look at Sean with a look of sheer panic. "Mr. Smith, Mr. Smith..." Sean gave a sly grin, casually stroking his

"Sean Smith..."

run though her

reach his eyes. "Why so shocked? Did you just realize how good-looking I am? Can't contain your

felt a chill run down her spine. She knew all too well what Sean was capable of. Years ago, she had