but it was nothing compared to the storm brewing

ping with self-righteousness. "For our child. Brother Rufus said i

ce loved, the man I had bound myself

an oath to me, Ethan. On our wedding day. Ninety-nine promises. Y

e to be a wife? To give me an heir? You failed,

picture of fragile innocence. She clutched

ed, rushing to his side. "It's all my fault. I shoul

es filled with triumphant mal

her voice soft and persuasive. "She' s a wom

ective arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "It's not your

rasite had played him, played us all. But the words wouldn't come

conspiratorial whisper. "She's staring at my belly. Br

again. He looked at

a pair of groundskeepers who had appear

ing at me with a mix

Ethan

st. I let them grab my arms and drag me from the

riumphant smile. The devout Christian, the woman of God. She was worse than any be