He Never Loved Me Until the Day I Finally Left Him novel Chapter 43

Sebastian glanced down at her grip. For some inexplicable reason, a sudden wave of irritation washed over him.

Perhaps Helena's loss of control had affected him more than he realized.

"What happened to your face?" Janetta gasped, finally noticing. "Did she hit you? Does it hurt?"

She stood up anxiously, reaching out to examine the red mark on his cheek.

But before her fingertips could brush his skin, he firmly caught her wrist and pulled her hand away.

"It's nothing. I'll have someone drive you home," he said flatly.

Janetta's hand dropped. For a brief second, she froze.

Yet, she maintained her compliant facade. "Okay."

She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Seb, I shouldn't have shown up unannounced today. If I hadn't come, none of this would have happened. I'm so sorry."

Tears pooled in her eyes as she let out a soft sigh. "It really isn't easy for Lena. Please don't hold this against her. Let it go. I'm sure she didn't mean to. Hasn't she already brought up divorce? Why don't you just..."

"Enough. Don't bring her up," he cut her off sharply.

"I'm sorry..." Janetta flinched, genuinely startled by his tone.

"My apologies. That came out harsher than intended," he quickly corrected himself.

However, he made no move to invite her to stay any longer.

He knew exactly what her endgame was—she wanted him divorced.

In truth, ending the marriage seemed like the logical next step for him too.

But now that Helena was the one demanding it, he suddenly found himself digging his heels in.

He felt as though she had stripped him of his control over the situation.

Yes, that had to be it. That was why he had misdirected his frustration onto Janetta.

"It's okay. I know you've been under a lot of stress lately. Don't bother seeing me out; I'll just take the driver. Make sure you drink the soup I brought you," she said, ever the picture of an understanding partner.

"I will," he nodded.

Janetta slowly rose to her feet.

He didn't try to stop her, simply allowing the driver to escort her back to her place.

Wandering into the kitchen, he found the warmed bowl of soup waiting on the counter. He took a sip.

"Yes," Carter admitted readily. "Mrs. Hayes, if you cannot clear your mother's debt within three days, the apartment will be seized."

Helena didn't reply. She simply stood there, her nails digging into her palms.

She knew exactly what Sebastian was doing. He was forcing her hand, backing her into a corner until she had no way out.

But why should she cave?

He was using the most degrading method possible to humiliate her.

"Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Hayes has been your husband for seven years. No matter what, he won't truly push you over the edge. If you just soften your stance a bit, this whole thing will blow over," Carter advised gently.

"Thank you for making the trip out here, Special Assistant Miles," she replied, offering him a flat, emotionless look.

Carter sighed, realizing his words were falling on deaf ears. He gave a slight nod and walked away.

Unlocking the door, Helena stepped inside and collapsed onto the sofa, utterly drained.

Right on cue, her phone rang. It was Lance James.

"How are things looking on your end? We've been trying to run this program, but we keep hitting a wall," Lance said, his brow furrowed in concentration as he dove straight into work.