The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 4

All it took was one call from Giselle, and Gideon would cancel the most crucial meetings. One tear from her, and he would unconditionally take her side, regardless of right or wrong.

Seven years of desperate chasing, three years of a hollow marriage. A decade of her youth and dignity, only to be branded an 'outsider.'-

She had given everything to love this man, sacrificing her proud career and self-respect, lowering herself to the dirt just to carve out a tiny space in his world.

Her reward was a stinging slap in front of an entire crowd.

At two in the morning, the sound of an engine dying echoed from downstairs, followed by steady footsteps.

The bedroom door swung open.

Gideon stepped inside, carrying the chill of the night. He glanced down at Nora's blood-crusted knees, his brow furrowing slightly.

He placed a dark green velvet box on the vanity, sliding it toward her.

"I apologize. I lost my temper today."

His voice was as flat as always, acting as if the gala incident was just a trivial mishap.

"But Giselle isn't malicious. I've just spoiled her too much. She's simple-minded, so don't hold it against her. Didn't you eye this emerald set at the auction? I had someone bring it back. See if you like it."

Nora lowered her lashes, staring at the jewelry. She remembered seeing the set at the Sotheby's preview last month.

She had merely glanced at it twice in passing; she never expected him to remember.

In the past, she would have been ecstatic over this rare crumb of attention. She would have carefully accepted the gift and forced herself to swallow all the humiliation and pain of the evening.

"Gideon, do you really think a set of jewelry erases tonight's humiliation?"

Nora slowly looked up, meeting his deep, predatory gaze. Under the lights, his handsome face was as sharply defined as the day they met, but his eyes never once held her reflection.

Nora flinched violently, shrinking back as if struck by lightning. His fingertips barely brushed her hair before freezing in midair.

Gideon stared at his empty hand for a second before casually pulling it back, unbothered.

"If you refuse to be reasonable, then take some time to cool off. The doctor will be here shortly to treat your face and knees."

He checked his watch, his tone unconsciously picking up speed. "I'm heading back to the Manor. Giselle hasn't stopped crying and her wound hurts. I need to check on her."

He moved quickly, his fading footsteps completely vanishing after the loud click of the front door shutting.

Nora reached out and lightly tapped the cold emerald pendant. She had received far too many of these expensive, hollow tokens over the past three years.

So many that she had almost forgotten why she had ever fought so hard to lock herself inside the golden cage of being Mrs. Hayes.