"So every kind thing you ever did for me was just a show? A cover for your pathetic secret?" she had demanded.
If the truth got out that the patriarch of the Whelan family was in love with a man, the scandal would destroy the company.
Arthur and his parents had played her for a fool.
She had naively believed in their romance, bearing him three sons.
"So what?" Arthur had scoffed. "My heart was never yours. You should be grateful I married you at all. Your precious Carter family was on the brink of bankruptcy. Without the Whelan money, you'd be in the gutters. Be happy with what you have. You have three kids to keep you company. Play the good Mrs. Whelan and keep your mouth shut."
She had been practically foaming at the mouth with fury.
"Oh? Does that mean I get to find my own lovers in secret too?"
"Don't you dare," he had snarled. "You are my wife on paper, and you will not humiliate me. If you try to pull a stunt like that, I'll have you committed and raise the kids myself."
The threat of losing her children had chilled her to the bone. This cold, ruthless man was completely unrecognizable from the gentle suitor she had met on their wedding night.
Back then, it was an arranged marriage.
On their wedding night, he had promised to respect and cherish her forever.
She had believed he was a good, responsible man.
The reality was a waking nightmare.
She was livid.
"Arthur, if you have no shame, then neither do I!" she had shrieked. "I'm calling the press right now! I'll tell the whole world what kind of degenerate you are, and about your disgusting little affair with your assistant!"
Before she could finish the sentence, Arthur lunged. He slammed her against the heavy mahogany desk and wrapped his hands around her throat.
"You wouldn't dare," he hissed, his grip tightening. "If you try to ruin me, I will kill you right here."
She choked, clawing at his hands.
He was actually going to do it.
Her vision started to go black. Desperate, she blindly grabbed a heavy crystal ashtray from the desk and smashed it against the side of his head.

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