Myrah's POV
We can still get along. I gave you free reign over Caylee. You are always welcome to interact in any way with Caylee.
And you won't ever be able to achieve it. You are not my wife, to whom I must give justification. He spat vitriol at me, telling me to mind my own business. I tightened my fists.
"I'm your spouse." Whether you like it or not, Valentino Alexander, you must respect me as your wife.
Valentino jumped up in a rage.
Oh, I see that we are now discussing obligations. What other obligations do I have to my beloved wife? He growled, now dangerously near me and leaning against his desk, "Orient me, please.
I trembled as I anxiously got to my feet and started to back away.
"I'm no longer interested in conversing. I said this as I made a slow, hesitant turn backward. You don't seem to grasp a word I say.
"Wife, what happened? Where did all the courage and assurance vanish at once? Where has that strong woman gone who was standing up for her rights? Valentino moved closer to me while scowling.
With rage, his eyes were on fire. Although his voice was steady, it had the edge of a dagger that dripped acid and eroded every shred of self-assurance I had built up to defend myself.
Did he intend to strike me?
As he sped at me, tears welled up in my eyes, pleading for mercy, but he didn't seem to notice.
Therefore, Prince Charming had a beastly side that he was about to let loose right now. The very concept caused my heart to pound wildly.
I experienced fear once more. It talked to me in a cackling tone, ordering my stomach to lurch and my legs to go limp.
I became imprisoned when my back finally met the wall. Valentino moved forward by one step, putting some distance between us. I cried out on the floor because I was unable to look into his eyes any longer.
I choked out, let me go, trying to blink my tears away.
He hissed, I am not even touching you, Princess.
What do you require of me? I closed my eyes and mumbled.
As he got closer, I felt his breath brushing my ear. His body heat literally felt like it was on my face. Additionally, I couldn't help but notice how amazing he smelled.
I wish to grant your request! You want me to carry out my responsibilities as a spouse properly and attend to all of your requirements as a woman? I shivered as he inhaled into my ear.
He dragged me closer to him by the waist before I could even process his words, much less react to them. Without saying a word, he placed his thumb on the curve of my jaw, framed my face with one hand, and tipped my head toward his.
My body tensed at the tingling jolt, and I froze at the contact. Yes, at first glance, I wanted to kiss him, but not in this manner.
I didn't want a kiss that was given grudgingly and without any emotion. I desired a sincere and passionate experience. I desired a kiss that would make me feel cherished and give me the alleged "butterflies."
I summoned all of my might and pulled him away before he could slam his lips into mine. Before I could change my mind, I gave him a strong slap in the face.
He had a priceless reaction.
I made an accusatory gesture toward him.
I cautioned him, "Never touch me again."
He maintained his cool and mocked, "You think I wanted to touch you?"
You may be confident that I won't ever touch you, Myrah Dante. That is a pledge. You requested it. Get out of my office right now.
I quickly replied, "With pleasure," and stormed back into our bedroom afterward.
I wasted no time as I hurried into the bathroom, closed the door, and locked it.
On the tiled floor with underfloor heating, I slouched into a corner. I held onto my quivering knees in an embrace before letting go. Although crying was something I did almost daily, this time I truly sobbed.
It was as though the entire universe was resting on my shoulders. Every portion of my body hurt, and my eyes were gushing with pain.
It appeared as though my heart had been torn out, and the wounds were then salted. Every wound I've ever experienced has reopened, and I've had to start over.
I already had a lot to deal with simply dealing with the animosity of my family, and now he was just making things worse. Nobody was on my side. I was suffering alone. A sincere shoulder to weep on was what I needed. I needed a companion. I bawled my eyes out until I was speechless, at which point I sat quietly.
I looked up and saw that it was dark outside.
Wow.
I had been sobbing since morning, I was completely unaware. My muscles were nevertheless considered tight by my body. I fought my way up and painfully stretched my stiff muscles.
The restroom was remarkably opulent and spotless. Inside, you could eat. Shiny granite counters, walnut-framed mirrors, a Jacuzzi tub, a walk-in shower with a large showerhead, plush towels, plush bath mats, and a wicker hamper What more is there to ask for?
I looked in the mirror and saw myself. My eyes were swollen and inflamed. I looked awful. I tried to cleanse my face, but it was useless.
My tummy grumble. I was hungry, but not particularly hungry.
Never again will I touch you.
Those statements gave me the need to break down in tears. Any possibility of us ever getting along was destroyed by me.
After everything, I just wanted to hide from him, but I knew I would soon run into him. I made the decision to overcome my concerns, opened the door, and then quietly left while quietly closing it behind me.
Caylee was featured on the front of the magazine Valentino was reading as he sat on the bed.
I was unable to see his face.
Fortunately for me, he said, "I'm beginning to think that crying is your hobby."
Good, good, good. Look at the person who was behaving as if nothing had happened. I made my way to the kitchen after deciding to ignore him.
A platter caught my eye in the microwave, but I refrained from touching it. What if it wasn't my food?
I drank a glass of water and leaned on the kitchen counter to peel a banana. When Valentino came into the kitchen, I was just ready to eat.
He told me, "There's some food in the microwave," but I didn't pay him any attention.
I was furious with him. I felt his attention focused on me.
You "ruin your eyes," I say.
You broke my spirit.
Are you upset with me?
I mean, really.
I am the one who received this slap.
You've always made me the target of your erratic behavior and foul language.
"Am I receiving a silence order?"
Why in the world did he need me? Why did he suddenly want to talk to me? I hurriedly finished my banana before turning away and throwing the peel in the trash.
He was in the way as I headed back to my bedroom to sleep. Along the way, Valentino blocked my path. Both he and I focused on his eyes.
Okay, Myrah, perhaps I crossed the line.
"Maybe?"
The phrase "I shouldn't..."
"But you did, and it's now too late. You were right the entire time. Even friendship cannot work out between us.
Two could play the game if he could be upset with me about every little thing. My cheek was drenched in a somber tear.
Avoid crying.
I don't care what you think of my crying.
I've wanted to put an end to them since I started them. Never again cry in that way.
You don't need to act concerned because nobody is here. Just give me some space, please. I'm done with everything.
"I'll join you for a date tomorrow."
I'm not in the mood to leave.
Then, as long as you can grin once more, I'll gladly bring you there. If slapping me again helps you feel better, go ahead.
Since when really, does he care?
Charming prince or unstable beast? Only time could tell.