rea in the Maine Resort. It was discreet, reserved only for family members, and Carlos had insisted we have lunch there afte

ventful days of my life, and one fill

led me into signing away all my rights and entitlements as the wife of the Wellington Heir. To add salt to inju

ne exc

ssor, who had strongly opposed my marriage from the very beginning. She had seen past Matthew's polished demeanor,

n revenge," Carlos said lightly as he pushed a plat

husband all these years, but that doesn't make me daft," I snapped, rubbing my temples as the words spilled o

food to calm your nerves. Nothing soothes anger better than

e least of my concerns right now. I feel like such a

s discussion until you eat first. Chef Paulo would be ut

ly, rich and inviting. It looked nothing like the bland meals Matthew pre

spices. I hadn't enjoyed a meal that looked this comforting in years. Matthew always monitored my diet and insisted on making me a

se, I liste

ch a naï

than to fill my stomach. But the moment the pasta touched my tong

ed by the unfam

knowingly. "G

sing to give him the sati

ered, though a hint of w

with that but, I'll take it" He wore a knowin

lt strange; wrong, almost, to smile after the wreckage of reve

e with food," I warned mildl

k memories of home -

're the son of the woman who strongly advised me against this mar

"Sierra, my mother never doubted your wor

I had carried the shame of being blind, of not seeing Matthew for what he was. Hearing Car

en know me,"

g enough to sit here, even after everything that's been thrown at you tod

twirling the pasta again to avoid his gaze. "Yeah..

brief, careful, but it sent an unexpected warmth up my arm. "Sometimes fighting may be as little as eating a meal you

first time in what felt like forever, it felt like

ite, this time without resistance. "But only

nting with amusement. "Of co

ed, I laughed. My voice sounded shaky and

e. What brin

hed any meal as

uments without understanding what they trul

ments as his wife and avoid unnecessary complications. I believed him. I wanted to be a good wif

in Spanish, then leaned closer. "That's not

t the conviction in h

are severe and those documents should be contested in court. I can introduce you to some of the

und my neck felt like it might loosen. "But even if

to. I can help you challenge this legall

led with disbelief. "Why would yo

les aren't meant to be fought alone. And Matthew..

the photograph on the wall, Miss Pamela, the eleg

ghtly. "You were quite

guard, tugging at memorie

y getting married to Matthew at such a young age. She pushed me, challenged me... she saw me." My

his chair, retrieving hi

her barely an hour ago. Told her I had run

drew toget

o I could see a few l

d steady. Albeit compas

knew Matthew would try to dim your light. And she asked m

my eyes stung with tea

ad once given me courage in lecture halls. And now, years aft

ugh

To sue Matthew, to claim what you deserve, to tear off the mask and unveil Matthew Wellington as the