Chapter 12
“When I threw her luck charm in the pool,” Viola continued smugly, “she jumped right in after it. I told Ken it was just another plea for attention, and he believed every word.” Her voice turned cold. “Too bad she didn’t drown that day.”
“Who exactly did you want to drown, Viola?” Ken’s icy voice froze the room. Viola spun around, her face draining of color.
“I… I didn’t… You must have misheard…”
Her mother forced a smile. “Ken, you’re already home! We were just discussing that drowning incident in the news…”
Ken ignored her, striding straight to Viola and grabbing her collar. “Who gave you permission to touch her things?”
Viola’s tears started falling. “She’s moving out… The room was empty… I was just cleaning…”
Ken threw her to the ground before turning to the housekeeper. “Put everything back exactly as it was. If a single item is missing, you’re fired.”
The housekeeper scurried to comply.
Viola’s mother drew herself up in outrage. “How dare you treat my daughter this way over
affair with Cali some shameless girl? Are you trying to advertise your
Her words died in her throat as she met Ken’s murderous gaze. “You may be rich, but can’t abuse my daughter like this!”
you
Viola quickly intervened. “Mother, please go. Let me handle this.” She caught her mother’s eye with a meaningful gaze, and the older woman reluctantly left.
“Ken, I’m sorry,” Viola’s voice turned sweet. “I wasn’t thinking. Calista’s like your sister–as your wife, I should be more understanding. We’ll return everything and keep her room just as it is.”
Ken’s face darkened. “You disgust me, Viola.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “How could you say that?”
“I heard everything.” His hand shot out, gripping her throat. “You deliberately slandered. her, targeted her, poisoned my mind against her–all to drive her away!”
Viola trembled, never having seen him so terrifying. “No… you don’t understand….
But Ken was beyond reason, pouring all his grief and rage into his grip. “If it weren’t for you, Calista would never have joined the satellite base! If it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t have given up on me!” His voice cracked. “That day at the pool–you stopped me from reaching her. You nearly let her die!”
Viola clawed at his hands, desperate for air but unable to speak.
Just as her vision began to darken, a shout rang out from the doorway.
