Raegan, intimidated by his demeanor, attempted to stay composed.
âHeâs the father of my child.
Heâll definitely come looking for me.
â
Henleyâs face grew icy.
He grasped her chin abruptly, his tone bitter, âHe caused you so much pain, and you lost a child.
Have you forgotten?â
His grip tightened menacingly.
âI overlooked your pregnancy, thinking it was unplanned.
But to remarry him?â
Tears sprung from Raeganâs eyes, pain evident in her expression.
Henleyâs grasp was unyielding, his words sharp, âDo all women relish in being so demeaned?â
At that moment, Henley saw in Raegan a reflection of his crazy mother, one who, like Raegan, failed to value his affection.
He had intended to treat them kindly.
Why? Why did they push him to such extremes?
Henleyâs expression momentarily faltered, twisting into something grotesque, reminiscent of a creature emerging from a grave.
It was as if he mistook Raegan for someone else.
His hands tightened around her neck, the pressure increasing.
Raegan began shaking violently, her face turning ghostly white.
She clawed at Henleyâs arm, leaving a bloody mark, and cried out, âHenley! Snap out of it!â
Henleyâs eyes locked onto Raeganâs reddening face, her breaths becoming faint.
He felt a horrifying rush as Raeganâs life seemed to slip away under his grip.
When his gaze met Raeganâs misty eyes, he saw nothing but fear.
Those eyes that had once smiled, cared, and thanked him now reflected nothing but deep fear.
As he leaned in, her familiar scent filled his nostrils.
Abruptly, as though jolted, Henley released her.
Raegan had narrowly escaped death.
She slumped in the seat, gasping for air like a fish out of water.
Henley, momentarily lucid, looked down at Raegan and murmured, âRaegan, youâve disappointed me.
Your mistake⦠I wonât let this child survive.
â
He had once thought that if she chose to be with him, the baby in her belly could be left to others after Raegan gave birth to it.
But now, resentment filled his heart.
This child could not be allowed to live.
2 Raegan stared at him, incredulous.
He had coldly decreed the fate of her child.
She protested desperately, âAre you insane? This is my child.
You have no right!â
âI do have the right because I love you,â Henley declared emotionlessly âEvery decision I make is for our best interests