Chapter 77
Iris’s POV
The soft hum of the car engine was the only sound breaking the
silence as we left the Lowell estate. I sat rigidly in the back seat,
keeping as much distance from Sebastien as the confines of the car
would allow.
I rolled down the window, letting the cool night air whip through my
hair. The breeze felt cleansing against my skin, washing away the
suffocating atmosphere of the evening.
“At least the wind keeps me awake,” I muttered, more to myself than
to Sebastien.
My thoughts drifted back to the Lowell estate, replaying the evening
like a bad movie. Sebastien’s possessive behavior, the way he’d used
me as a prop in his social game, the calculated kiss that still burned
on my lips. God, would I ever be free of this man? Every time I
thought I was breaking away, something pulled me back into his
orbit.
I stared out at the passing trees, dark shadows against the night sky.
We were climbing the winding road up the mountainside, probably
taking the scenic route back rather than the direct highway. The
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longer, more isolated path. Of course.
My hand unconsciously went to my stomach. Seven weeks now. Still
barely showing, but my whole future was growing inside me. A future
I refused to let Sebastien control.
As the car rounded another bend, the city lights spread out below us,
twinkling like fallen stars. Something solidified in me at that moment
-a decision I’d been dancing around for too long.
“Enough,” I thought, straightening my shoulders. “I can’t keep living
in this limbo. It’s time to end this charade once and for all.”
I cleared my throat. “Stop in the city center when we get there. I’ll get
out there.”
Sebastien’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, catching mine for a
brief moment. “It’s late.”
“I’m aware of what time it is,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “I’d just
prefer not to spend another minute with you than necessary. This
whole evening has been suffocating enough.”
He didn’t respond, his profile stoic as he continued driving.
I took a deep breath. Might as well get it all out now. “Actually, since
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we’re here, when are we going to finish the paperwork? Tomorrow
works for me. The sooner we make this official, the better for both of
us.”
The silence that followed was deafening. I watched Sebastien’s
knuckles whiten as his grip on the steering wheel tightened. His face
remained impassive, but something cold flashed in his eyes when
they met mine in the mirror.
Without warning, he swerved to the shoulder of the road and
slammed on the brakes. I lurched forward, barely catching myself on
the back of the front seat.
“What the hell?” I gasped, my heart hammering against my ribs.
“What’s the rush, Iris? Eager to run back to Lowell?” he said, his voice
frighteningly calm.
I steadied myself, refusing to be intimidated. “That’s not what this is
about. The point is, when are we going to finalize the paperwork?
Tomorrow would be best.” I stared directly into his eyes, not backing
down:
“Is that what you were discussing with Ethan tonight?” he asked, his
voice dropping to a dangerous softness. “Planning your next move while still wearing my ring?”
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I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “Don’t twist this around. You’ve wanted
out of this marriage from day one. I’m just making it official.”
A cold smile played at his lips. “If you’re in such a hurry, I wonder–do
you plan on spending the night with me first? One last time before
you’re free?”
My mouth fell open at his audacity. That’s what he thought of me?
That after everything, I’d still want him in my bed?
“You really are incredible,” I snapped, grabbing my purse and
reaching for the door handle. “You’ve always been good at twisting
my words, making everything seem like I’m the one who wants
something from you.”
The cool night air hit me as I stepped out, a welcome relief from the suffocating tension inside the car. The road was dimly lit by sparse streetlights, the mountain forest dark and looming on one side. I could see the city lights in the distance below, still a long way down.
“I’d rather walk back than spend another minute listening to your
insults,” I said, slamming the door.
I took a few steps away from the car, my heels clicking loudly on the pavement. The rational part of my brain knew this wasn’t the safest decision–a pregnant woman alone on a mountain road at night. But
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my wolf senses were sharp, and my pride even sharper.
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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