His Heart Knew Before He Did novel Chapter 13

The slap landed with brutal force.

The stinging heat had barely blossomed across her cheek before Gerald sprang up in a fury, pulling her behind him to shield her.

"Audrey! I told you, I gave the money to Lydia on my own. This has nothing to do with her!"

Audrey pointed a trembling finger at his nose, her face contorted with disappointment. "Gerald Wyatt, I scrimp and save every day. I don't even buy myself decent clothes, but you! You just hand over five hundred dollars like it's nothing! How did I end up marrying a man who doesn't know his priorities! I want a divorce! Divorce!"

Gerald's lips trembled, his face turning an alarming shade of crimson.

"Fine! Let's get a divorce! I've had enough too! All these years, I've handed my entire paycheck over to you. I only keep a hundred bucks a month for myself! You run everything in this house, big or small. What more do you want from me? Tell me! What more do you want!"

Audrey froze, stunned by Gerald's sudden outburst.

Then, she burst into a dramatic fit of tears, pointing the finger of blame squarely at Lydia.

"Lydia! See? Nothing good ever happens when you come back! You should have just stayed in Capital North! Now look, our family is in shambles because of you! Your uncle and I are getting a divorce! Are you happy now?"

"Audrey!" Gerald's veins bulged against his skin, his voice roaring several decibels louder. "Shut your mouth!"

"Enough. Stop fighting." Lydia stepped forward, her expression perfectly calm as she looked at Audrey. "I've already found a new place. I originally planned to stay through the New Year before moving to the city. Since I'm clearly not welcome, I can leave right now. And for the record, I didn't ruin this family—you did."

Audrey grabbed her arm furiously, her eyes practically bulging out of her skull. "Lydia, you think you're so tough now? You dare talk back to me? Don't forget, I was the one who raised you!"

"Did you?" Lydia offered a faint, icy smile. "Do you want me to help you remember exactly how you raised me?"

Audrey's chest tightened under Lydia's sharp, piercing gaze. Feeling a sudden wave of guilt, she quickly changed the subject.

"I'm not wasting my breath on you! Hurry up and give that five hundred dollars back! Gerald's money is my money. He had no right to give it to you without my permission!"

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