Chapter 5

With the fortune I had poured into this household until my coffers ran dry?

With the heart he had crushed with his own hands and left in pieces?

My laughter died in my throat. So did the coughing.

I raised my eyes and looked at him quietly.

"Fine," I said.

One word. Nothing more.

He clearly hadn't expected that. For a moment, he froze.

Lydia stepped forward with the parchment, ink, and quill. Her hands shook so badly that the ink rippled in its glass.

I forced myself upright, every movement tearing at my body.

I took the quill and…