For six months, Adrian had performed the role of another man.
Gentle.
Modern.
Protective.
Devoted.
That performance survived less than twelve hours after our vows.
“You do not speak to my mother that way.”
I remained seated.
“I speak to people according to how they treat me.”
The slap came so quickly that Sophie actually gasped.
My head snapped sideways.
My cheek burned.
For one second, nobody moved.
Adrian stood over me breathing hard, his wedding band gleaming beneath the chandelier.
He expected tears.
An apology.
Maybe fear.
I gave him none of them.
I looked back at him.
Coldly.
