The Wife He Never Meant to Love (Lila and Damon) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

91

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Lila dropped onto Ina’s bed like her strength had completely drained out of her. She stared blankly at the wall, jaw tight, fingers twisting into the blanket beneath her.

Ina leaned against the dresser, arms crossed, silently studying her. There was something different about Lila today-disheveled, flushed, unsettled.

A slow smirk formed on Ina’s lips.

“So,” she began casually, tilting her head, “did you two finally consummate the marriage?”

The sarcasm was thick.

Lila’s head snapped toward her, eyes blazing. “Ina.”

“What?” Ina lifted a brow. “I’m just asking.”

Her gaze drifted lazily over Lila-and then paused.

Right at Lila’s collarbone.

Ina’s smirk deepened.

“Well,” she murmured, pushing off the dresser and stepping closer, “that answers my question.”

Lila stiffened. “What are you talking about?”

Ina reached out and lightly tugged the neckline of Lila’s top aside before Lila could slap her hand away.

There, faint but unmistakable, were bruises blooming along her collarbone. Soft purplish marks, scattered like fingerprints. Like someone had held her there. Kissed her there. Claimed her there.

Ina let out a low whistle.

“Wow,” she said, clearly entertained. “That looks like an intense battle.”

Lila immediately pulled her shirt back into place, face burning. “Stop it.”

Ina circled back, still grinning. “No, seriously. That’s not gentle. That’s-” she gestured vaguely “—full conquest.”

Lila shot her a murderous glare. “You need to pray.”

Ina laughed. “For you? Or for him?”

Her eyes dropped to the floor, spotting the crumpled emergency pill wrapper near the bed.

“Ohhh,” she hummed, nudging it with her toe. “Now I really need to pray.”

11:29 Mon, May 4

Chapter 19

Lila clenched her fists.

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“I heard Damon has insane stamina,” Ina added lightly, clearly enjoying herself. “But I didn’t realize he leaves… evidence.”

“Ina,” Lila warned, her voice dangerously low.

“What? I’m impressed.” Ina leaned closer, lowering her voice theatrically. “You look like you survived a five- round championship.”

Lila buried her face in her hands, frustration radiating off her.

She wasn’t embarrassed because of the bruises.

She was furious at herself.

At how she had let it happen.

At how she hadn’t pushed him away.

Ina watched her more carefully now, teasing slowly giving way to something sharper. “You’re not mad at him,” she observed quietly.

Lila didn’t answer.

Her silence said enough.

Ina’s grin softened into a knowing look. “That’s what’s really bothering you, isn’t it?”

Lila stared at the wall again, jaw tight.

Because she could blame Damon.

She could blame the alcohol.

She could blame the tension between them.

But deep down, she knew the truth.

She hadn’t stopped him.

And judging by the faint bruises marking her skin-

It hadn’t exactly been a one-sided battle.