a R

__

r. From the pain, the rage. "Why?" My eyes burn with the tear

hing you can't do." His hands drop from my face, his eyes locking on mine, unblinking. He steps back, his expr

. I'll carve her open, and you won't be able to

ark intent. "Rose, I swear to God, if you lay a finger on Maria, I will lock you up in the basement and throw away the ke

?" I laugh bitterly, but my chest aches. "Prot

my children. Of course I'm protective of her." He steps closer, his voice hardening. "Something

I force it down. "That's not all I am..." My voice trembles, but I push on, "I love

ain, my voice hoars

anger matching mine, his voice echoing through the walls. "You can't give me that!" His fist

er woman." My voice lashes out as I shove him b

fect. "I'm getting married tomorrow. End of discussion." His hands smooth down his suit as if he's preparing to lea

all calmly from my lips, even thou

time. "You don't have a choice." His voice is quiet, almost threatening. "I'm ending this marriage t

a," I say simply, shrugging my tiny shoulders, as if the

but there's a flash of something darker there. "You think I can't force you to sign?" He leans down

words stubbornly, my resolve ha

omorrow morning before I walk down that aisle!" He shakes me slightly, his eyes wild with ange

d of my voice raw, louder tha

there's no comfort, no love, just cold control. "You're acting like a child, Rose." His voice is eerily calm now, and it cuts deeper than any shout. "If yo

" The words come out as a slap to his face, my anger boiling over.

wrist, his fingers digging painfully into my skin. "Watch your mouth, Rose."

vorcing me!" I scream louder

aking over. "You're giving me no choice! Tomorrow morning, you'll be drugged and forced to sign! Then I'm marrying Maria, and you'll be locked in the basement where you ca