On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 11

The sharp crack echoed in the silent room, so loud it made Jessica’s own ears ring.

Lance stood with his head turned to the side, motionless for a long moment. He was a man who had never been touched in anger his entire life, not even by his strict father. And now, Jessica had struck him. He tasted the coppery tang of blood in his mouth.

His eyes were black pits of rage.

Jessica scrambled back a few steps. “You asked for it.”

His jaw tightened, and he slowly turned his head, his tongue pushing against the inside of his cheek. “Playing hard to get, Jessica? It was interesting the first time. Now, it’s just pathetic.”

“I’m not playing games,” she said, her voice shaking but firm. “I want a divorce, Lance Smith. Do you hear me? I want to divorce you!”

He gave her a look of pure contempt. His fingers brushed her shoulder, tucking a stray strand of her long hair behind her ear. His voice was a low, mocking drawl. “If Rebecca Jones hadn't taken pity on you and tossed you two thousand dollars, you’d be starving right now. What skills do you possibly have to survive without the Smith family?”

A wave of exhaustion washed over her. It felt as if her heart had been ripped open.

For five whole years, she had devoted herself to their family. She had shuttled Amy to countless classes and activities. She had brought their daughter to visit Susan at least three times a week. She had cooked every meal for Lance and Amy, even getting a nutritionist certificate to better care for them. She knew the birthdays of every one of Lance’s business partners and their families, always arranging the perfect gift in advance.

But he had never seen any of it. To him, she was useless.

He took it from her, twisted the cap off, and handed it back.

“Thank you, Lance,” she said with a dazzling smile.

Jessica came down the stairs.

“What are you doing here?” Amy asked in surprise. “You better be good today and not make Mom Catherine upset.”

The words were a physical blow. Jessica had a wonderful mother and had always tried to love Amy with that same fierce, all-encompassing devotion. She loved Lance with nine-tenths of her heart, but Amy had all of it. Where had she gone so wrong? The daughter she had endured a day and night of agonizing labor for, the little girl who used to look up at her with bright eyes and say “I love you, Mommy,” was now the knife twisting in her heart.