Chapter 10

Realizing the date on the abortion certificate, James grabbed Rachel by the throat, his eyes turning savage. “What happened between you and Emily at the hotel that day? What did you say to her?”

“She had the abortion right after your confrontation. What the hell did you tell her?”

It was the first time he’d ever been violent with Rachel. Terrified, but trying to maintain composure, she stammered, “You’re overreacting! What could I possibly have said? She attacked me out of jealousy because I was marrying you. You saw it yourself!”

“Someone like her—so desperate and pathetic—would do anything to claw her way into your family. She’d eliminate any obstacle. Don’t let her manipulate you.”

James knew Rachel better than she knew herself. One look at her eyes told him she was lying. He maintained his grip and ordered his assistant to retrieve the hotel security footage immediately.

Rachel’s heart sank. A flash of malice crossed her face. He was investigating her for that breeding cow?

She kept talking, desperate to distract him. “James, it’s our wedding day. Don’t ruin everything for someone who doesn’t matter. Please.”

“I’ve seen girls like Emily in med school—they’ll do anything to climb the social ladder. She doesn’t actually care about you—just your status and bank account.”

James remained unmoved, studying this new version of Rachel—no longer poised and elegant, but vicious and desperate. A realization dawned on him: This is what I’ve worshipped all these years?

Whatever happened, Emily’s baby—his baby—died because of Rachel. Not only did she feel no remorse, but she seemed proud of it. Emily was nothing like Rachel described. She’d never asked him for money. She’d accepted being a secret wife with no wedding, no recognition. Even after discovering his betrayal and learning about his wedding to Rachel, she hadn’t confronted him or made demands.

For the first time, James felt the true weight of what he’d done to Emily.

Chapter 10

The assistant returned quickly with the footage. After watching it, James’s face darkened to stone. He flung Rachel to the floor, looking at her with utter disgust.

“You make me sick.”

“Rachel, we’re done. It’s over.”

She stared at him in disbelief, clinging to his legs as she sobbed, “James, don’t do this! You’ve wanted to marry me for years! I finally said yes—why are you backing out now?”

“Is it because of that tramp? What’s so special about her? She’s just your side piece. I can give you children too! She only loves your money—I love YOU!”

“Enough!”

James kicked her away and snarled, “You love me? Yet you’ve been happily accepting my gifts for years. Stringing me along while enjoying the luxury I provided. Did you think I couldn’t see through you?”

“I used to love you. I spent money and energy pursuing you. I even sacrificed Emily’s five babies as specimens for your research. I promised to make you my wife, to give you the grandest wedding imaginable. Why wasn’t that enough? Why did you have to show Emily those videos and photos? Why say those horrible things that drove her to abort our child? Her body was already weak! How could you be so cruel?”

“Emily isn’t what you say. She never asked me for anything. And she’s not the other woman—she was by my side long before you agreed to marry me. Rachel, you’re the one who’s disgraceful.”

“The wedding is canceled. Emily is my wife. You’d better pray she’s alive, or I swear I’ll make you pay. You and your entire family should prepare for the consequences.”

As James turned to leave, his mother stepped into his path.

“James, where do you think you’re going? Are you defying your own mother now?”