The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 160

"And what proof do you have that I have proof?"

He asked the question softly, his tone light. But for some reason, the words were like a thousand needles, stabbing mercilessly at her heart. Images of him defending Chloe flashed through her mind—even downstairs, just a little while ago, when he'd sent her up first. His attitude toward Chloe had shifted the second she was gone.

He wasn't just putting on an act with her; it seemed he was acting with Chloe, too. The difference was, with her, the act was a show of affection. With Chloe, it was a show of coldness.

Which was the real lie?

That question—"What proof do you have that I have proof?"—was a masterclass in deflection. It sounded exactly like the kind of technicality a guilty man would use to escape blame.

Suzie's heart filled with a cold, bitter certainty. He knew. He knew Chloe was behind everything that had happened to her. And he was still protecting her. Even if she was a criminal, he was covering for her without hesitation.

The realization sent her world tilting on its axis. A sharp, violent pain seized her chest, making it almost impossible to breathe. Her nose began to burn, and hot tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Her lips trembled as she struggled to speak, her voice choked with a sob. "…Jamie, I know you never loved me. I know you looked down on me as your wife. But you can't be such a monster that you don't even see me as a person! You know she did it, so why won't you turn her over to the police?!"

Jamie watched the tears stream down her face, his brow furrowed. Had he hurt her? Was this jealousy, her anger that he was choosing another woman over her?

Her chest still rose and fell with the remnants of her turmoil as she spoke. Her voice wasn't loud, but it was chillingly resolute.

Jamie's face was unreadable. He just watched her, his eyes fixed on hers. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Get some rest. Emotional turmoil isn't good for the pregnancy."

With that, he turned and left the room without a backward glance.

Suzie's eyes remained fixed on the closed door as her body suddenly felt as if all its strength had been drained away.