ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
TIARA
I nearly burst out laughing in his face. I wasn’t addressing my husband for my benefit. Why did he assume I would do it for him?
“Why?” I said. I struggled to contain my laughter in my voice.
I found the defeated expression on his face amusing at this point. “He now controls the business. Removed me from it. Although I’m no longer responsible for the debt, I still have nothing.”
I arched my brow.
“And?”
“What do you mean, and? Without that money, Tiara, I can’t start over in my life. My possessions include a car and some clothing. That’s all there is to it.”
I grinned.
“So? What’s it got to do with me?”
His features twisted into a frown.
“Your mother married me to escape a life of hardships. She is in her 60s. Now is not the
