For a moment, he didn't respond, his muscles tense and unyielding. But then, his arms slowly encircled her, holding her close as he buried his face in her hair.
Valerie pulled back, her eyes searching his. "It's not a real marriage, Greg," she promised, her voice firm and resolute.
"I'm only going to tear them apart and leave. I won't marry him. I can't even do that." Her voice cracked with emotion. "I'm already married to you, remember? I'm your wife." A tear slipped down her eye, sending a bolt of pain into Greg's heart.
"Please, don't cry." He yanked her back into a tight embrace, feeling her tears wetting his chest. Greg's heart ached and his fingers quivered. "Should I just get rid of them once and for all?"
Valerie pulled away. "No," she whispered, her teary eyes locked onto his. "Death is too good for them."
Greg wiped her tears with his thumb, saying, "Oh, Valerie, what did they do to you?"
