The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 71

The Stand In Wife’s Revenge

Chapter 71

I walked to the hallway after breakfast feeling Alexanders gaze linger on me as I got to my feet. His eyes were piercing and percepti I couldnt focus on that. I had to be by myself. When all I could think about was the internal storm I didnt trust myself to be around

The sense that everything had changed was something I couldnt get rid of. Perhaps it was just me or perhaps he was beginning to se in a different light. But something was growing inside of me something I was no longer able to ignore. I took a deep breath walked i my room and gently closed the door behind me.

I also locked it just to be safe. In sharp contrast to the turmoil in my head the room was silent. I was unable to concentrate despite t gentle golden morning light coming through the curtains. The mirror caught my attention. I hardly knew the reflection that stared ba

1. me.

Although I didnt feel like myself I did look like myself. It was not the woman who had entered Alexanders life or who had been seduce by the promise of healing and hope. This web of anger which I had suppressed for too long was still entangling me.

With my fingers shaking a little I walked over to the mirror and traced the contour of my face with them. The submissive docíle versio myself that had suffered years of abuse at Liams hands was not the woman in front of me. I was prepared to fight thats for sure.

I balled my fist and gazed at my knuckles whitened reflection. I was shocked at how far I had allowed things to go. How far he was willi to go. All the times I gave in to Liams demands allowed him to control me degrade me and rip me apart bit by bit. However now that I was standing in front of this mirror I had finished that.

I was tired of being helpless. Waiting for the world to return what I deserved was over for me. Sure Id accept. I would reveal my true self to everyone. I closed my eyes the rage rising within me like a long–suppressed tide.

I enjoyed the heat even though it burned. It made me think of the strength Liam had never realized I possessed the power I still possessed. A dry sharp laugh slipped from my lips.

I whispered to the empty room “You think you can just forget me Liam?. You believe you can simply leave without facing any repercussions? No. I’ll make you regret hurting me in the first place. Youll return to me crawling. I wont let you back in this time even though you beg.”

The words came out of me with such intensity that my whole body trembled like fire. As the weight of everything I had carried–the hurt

the shame the broken promises–seemed to increase my fists clenched once more.

All of my memories of him and the time I had lost myself in his manipulation seemed to be finally surfacing. His physical scars werent

the only thing he left on me. It was the wounds he inflicted on my soul. However I refused to allow them to continue defining who I was.

Not at this time. I opened my eyes and once more saw my reflection but this time I saw more than just myself. I observed a woman who had persevered survived and was prepared to take charge of her own life. A woman who refused to allow the specters of her past to

continue to haunt her. I felt a tear fall down my cheek but it wasnt a sad one.

It was an angry fiery and defiant tear. The defeated broken woman I had been after Liam left me was no longer me. No I had grown

Chapter 71

stronger. I would also ensure that he was aware of that. My identity as Ava had changed. And whether he liked it or not he would

that.

I stood looking at myself in the mirror my breathing slowing. I wiped away the tear but I didnt feel guilty about it. It was now str rather than weakness. It served as a reminder that I was not a machine made to be used and then discarded but rather that I was with feelings.

I was horrified

longer reco

of him–of Liam. the manner in which he handled me. The way he gradually dismantled me until I w hat was now over. The isolation the silence the years of manipulation—it was all over.

ail. Not now. I turned my back on the mirror and paced the room feeling the combined weight of my sad as unfair. It had not been fair at all. The world owed me nothing however. If it was mine I would fight for i

ould fight. I would defend my independence. I reflected on Alexanders words this morning. Regarding how I was un ed whether the strength the rage and the fire that burned beneath my skin were visible to him. Perhaps he did.

e couldnt. However it made no difference. for the simple reason that I wasnt here to gain favor. Not any more… My goal wa k to myself. The anger was still churning inside of me recollections of Liams words touch and treachery.

en though they were all there lingering in the b

control me not even from a distance. I stopped

sisted allowing them to define who I was. I wouldnt allow him to

my reflection again my hands still on the dressers edge.

I muttered “Liam..” but my tone was fir

believed that you could break me.

accountable when the time co

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