Chapter 4

Elizabeth stumbled into the bathroom, the liquor hitting her hard. Alexander, a storm cloud incarnate, pinned her against the sink. “Elizabeth, we’re not divorced yet!” he growled, teeth clenched. Her back pressed against the cold porcelain, the mirror reflecting her beautiful, defiant butterfly tattoo. Hiding her hurt, she said calmly, “Mr. Tudor, I’ve signed the papers. We’re as good as divorced.”

His grip tightened on her wrist. “Mr. Tudor?” he repeated, each word laced with menace. She’d never spoken to him like this before. The usual sparkle in her eyes, bright and cheerful, was gone. This formal address felt strange, like a wall had risen between them.

“Is it wrong for me to call you Mr. Tudor?” she squinted, leaning closer. In three years of marriage, she’d never been this close. Surprise flickered in his eyes as their gazes locked. Was he shocked by the formality?

Studying the face she’d loved for years, her voice softened. “Yeah, it is wrong. I should call you ‘ex-husband’ instead.”

Alexander’s heart clenched. He gripped her wrist tighter, pushing her back. “Elizabeth, are you trying to provoke me?”

“Why would I dare provoke you?” she chuckled, dripping sarcasm. Her attitude only fueled his anger.

“Ms. Percy, are you alright?” a voice called from outside. Alexander recognized Colin. Had they already…

Elizabeth met Alexander’s gaze, her tone ambiguous. “I’m fine, Mr. York. Just give me a moment.” The emphasis on “Mr. York” was deliberate, a pointed message. She was showing him he was a stranger now.

Alexander frowned, anger flaring. Elizabeth had dared to meet another man, right in front of him.

“Elizabeth, you’ve got the guts to go to his room?” he snarled, gripping her chin.

She shoved him away, a smile plastered on her face. “Ex-husband, you’re crossing a line,” she said, her voice sweet, her words icy.

He yanked her back, pinning her to the wall, his hand at her waist. Then, unexpectedly, he kissed her hard. He would show her what crossing a line truly meant. They’d only signed the papers, not finalized the divorce. Technically, she was still his wife! Meeting another man in front of him? That was a blatant insult.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, disbelief etched on her face. What had gotten into him? He’d never been this close in three years. Now, suddenly, he was kissing her?

His kiss was rough, and she felt the sting of his bite. The kiss, or perhaps the alcohol, was weakening her. She braced herself against the sink, stomping on his foot. He didn’t release her, only tightened his grip and deepened the kiss. She struggled, freeing an arm to slap him across the face.

Alexander’s head snapped to the side. He licked his lips, smeared with her lipstick and a hint of whiskey. Elizabeth panted, her lipstick smudged, eyes red-rimmed. He wiped his mouth, his deep eyes scanning her face, then let out a low chuckle. Had she really just hit him?

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” he stepped closer, anger blazing. “Dressed like that to seduce men, huh? The guy outside is fine, but I’m not?” “Elizabeth, who are you trying to fool?”

“Alexander, you jerk!” she shot back, eyes filled with disappointment. What did she want? Did he really not know? All she’d ever wanted was his love, but he’d never given it. He’d made her feel worthless.

He glared, seething. “Jerk? Have you forgotten how you begged me to marry you?”

His cruel words chilled her to the bone. Her love had been a weapon he used to hurt her. She’d lowered herself for him, cut ties with her family, traded herself to kidnappers, hidden her true self—everything for him. But her sacrifices over the past seven years meant nothing.

She wiped away her tears, smiling bitterly. “Alexander, loving you was my biggest mistake.”

His face went blank, slumping against the wall. He let out a few hollow laughs, unaware he’d lost the woman who’d loved him for seven years.

Elizabeth, eyes red, grabbed Lila and stormed out. “Are you okay?” Lila asked, worried.

Tears streaming down her face, Elizabeth snapped, “What could be wrong? I’m just peachy.”

Barefoot, heels in hand, she walked down the street, ignoring the stares. Then, as if making a final declaration, she shouted, “I’ll never love Alexander again. I swear!”

She didn’t remember getting home. When she woke, it was the next afternoon. Dazed, she sat on the bed, rubbing her aching head. A news alert popped up on her phone: “[Today, Alexander, President of Tudor Group, attended the launch of Tudor Group’s new makeup line with the heiress of Russell Group.]”

She clicked on the video, watching Esme smile, holding Alexander’s arm, waving to the media. They looked perfect together. Elizabeth gripped her phone, eyes burning. In three years of marriage, he’d never taken her to an event. Now, divorced, he couldn’t wait to show off his new prize. Thinking back to his forceful kiss, she felt only irony.

A knock came at the door. Pushing down her sadness, she said, “Come in.” Declan, in a dark blue suit, grinned. “Elizabeth, don’t forget our deal from last night!”

Elizabeth was stunned. ‘What deal?’ she wondered.