The Husband Who Regretted Too Late

Chapter 8

Selena went completely rigid. Her glassy eyes locked onto his as an icy numbness spread through her chest. For several heartbeats, she even forgot to breathe.

"You forgot the ring and ruined Amanda's birthday too. This was deliberate, was it not?"

Seething, he clamped down on her wrist like a vice. His eyes blazed as he snarled through gritted teeth.

"Save your breath. Even if you die right here, she is mine, no matter what."

Without a backward glance at her battered state, he dragged Amanda into the crowd. His sickeningly sweet voice floated back.

"This is my beloved, Amanda."

Selena watched his retreating figure. Her lips pressed into a bloodless line.

The butler approached, pity etched across his face as he offered to take her to the hospital. She did not refuse. She could not. She desperately needed space to breathe.

As she left, the hall erupted in vicious whispers.

"That woman deserves no sympathy. She abandoned Mr. Nash first, and now she comes crawling back. Pathetic."

"I would choose the fresh meat too, plump and ripe. Unlike that Selena, gaunt as a skeleton with no curves to speak of."

"Mark my words, that divorce is coming."

After her wounds were dressed, Selena dismissed the butler with a hollow excuse. She found herself standing once more outside Quentin's office.

The doctor's face lit up when he saw her. He hurriedly seated her, pressing a cup of coffee into her hands before asking, "Checking in today?"

She shook her head. After a weighted pause, the words tumbled out. "Quentin, I am losing my memories. Is there anything to slow it down?"

Pity flashed across his features. When he finally spoke, his voice was grave.

"Ms. Mariner, once symptoms appear, the deterioration accelerates. You will experience violent mood swings. If you do not admit yourself soon..."

He could not finish.

She understood. Without treatment, she would either waste away in some alley or end up like her mother. Waiting for a rare moment of clarity to plunge a blade into her own heart at the facility.

Her thoughts churned, but she bit back the truth. Plastering on a smile, she forced out the lie. "Just two things to settle first. Then I will come."

Quentin's relieved grin made her stomach twist. He scribbled a number and thrust it at her.

"Call me directly. Time is running out."

Nodding through the guilt, she fled.

Downtown, the jeweler's display windows glittered mockingly. Maxing out both cards, she ordered a ten-carat monstrosity. The saleswoman's gushing praise about eternal love felt like salt in her wounds.

The salesperson, impressed by her extravagant purchase, piled on the compliments.

"You have exquisite taste, miss. This is our brand's limited edition piece, called Eternal Love. Your partner will be thrilled to receive this."

Selena's hand on the counter trembled slightly.

Five years ago, when they got engaged, she had dreamed of Austin presenting her with a custom ring engraved with their names. But fate had other plans.

Now, five years later, she was the one buying him a custom wedding ring.

The catch was that it would not be her wearing it.

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she stared at the ring, lost in thought. Then she managed a weak smile.

"Can it be engraved?"

"Absolutely. Without a doubt."

The salesperson launched into a detailed explanation of the options.

The minutes ticked by. By the time Selena returned to the Nash estate, it was late. The house was lit up but eerily empty.

A knot of dread twisted in her stomach.

Austin was a homebody who rarely stepped out unless necessary. Especially right after throwing a birthday party.

Just as she frowned in confusion, the butler rushed in. His face was ghostly white.

"Madam, Mr. Nash and Miss Vane went to the movies. The news just said there is a fire there."