I mustered all the strength in my body to roar those words out, and as they left my lips, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, like a prisoner freed after years behind bars.
Jaylan's face was a picture of utter confusion when he heard them, a tangled mess of shock, fear, resentment, disbelief, and even a hint of self-pity. I couldn't fathom why he'd wear such an expression. He lunged towards me, "Allie..."
But Hannah was faster, delivering a swift kick that sent him tumbling to the ground. Grimacing in pain, he managed to sit up but didn't dare stand. Instead, he crawled rapidly towards me.
He reached out to grab me, and I instinctively stepped back in disgust.
Looking up at me, his face was the epitome of humility. "Babe, I messed up! I shouldn't have laid a hand on you, please forgive me! These past few days have been hell. Let's not fight anymore, okay? Think about our kids, our beautiful home, and Medsafe Liyah Inc! Honey, help me out, and we can live peacefully again... I swear I'll never raise my hand to you!"
"Jaylan, which of your words am I supposed to believe, huh? Saving Medsafe Liyah Inc.?" I eyed him skeptically. "When I entrusted it to you, do you remember the state it was in?"
"I do, of course I do!" he blurted out desperately. "I know you've always believed in me."
"You know I've trusted you. And what did you do?" I asked, every word heavy with accusation.
"You've knelt and begged for my forgiveness time and time again, and you've forgotten what I said last time, haven't you?"
I let out a mocking laugh, "Ha... The same old excuses every time. Can't you come up with something new? If it was a failed investment, an unexpected project hiccup, or even a scam, I'd be duty-bound to help. I'd reach into my pocket even if it bankrupted me.
But it's always about another woman, about you not being able to keep it in your pants, about the Dawson family's greed... Do you really think I'm a fool?
You drugged me, expecting me to just lie down and suffer when you were on top of the world. Now that you've hit rock bottom, you come groveling. It’s like karma has come full circle! And you think you can ask my father for help? How dare..."
Before I could finish, Jaylan quickly interjected, "I won’t ask your father for help, okay? Babe, just lend me some cash, and we'll sort this out ourselves, okay?"
"Tell me the truth, was it your idea to drug me?" I demanded sternly.
"I..." His eyes shifted, clearly looking for a lie.
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