I Walked Away And He Fell Apart Chapter 02
He spoke with that unquestionable, heavy-handed authority of his, drawing immediate murmurs of agreement from the onlookers.
“Ms. Kempton, you’re incredibly lucky Garland is even willing to acknowledge the kid,” a guest chimed in.
“She’s right. With a child dragging you down, you’ll never land a respectable husband in London.”
I stared at the arrogant jerk in front of me, completely baffled as to why he thought I was still desperate for his approval.
“Garland, are you deaf?” I raised my voice. “I told you Lorna is not your daughter, and I want absolutely nothing to do with your family!”
Garland narrowed his eyes, a deep hostility hardening his features.
“Madelyn, I’m throwing you a lifeline. Since the girl clearly has Ridgley blood, I’ll let you live at the estate.”
He paused, his voice dripping with contempt.
“Don’t expect to be my wife, though. That position belongs to Rina. But since you gave me a child, I won’t let you starve. You’ll stay at the estate as my official mistress.”
His official mistress. Staring at him, it hit me just how incredibly stupid I’d been to waste ten years of my life on this guy.
“You’re completely delusional,” I said coldly. “Me, your official mistress? Garland, you aren’t even good enough for me.”
Garland’s face twisted with fury.
“Madelyn! Stop being so damn ungrateful!” he shouted. “You’re an unwed mother with a ruined reputation. Who else do you think is going to want you?”
His vicious tone terrified Lorna, and she burst into tears.
She cried, “Don’t yell at my mom!”
She swung her little fists, trying to hit him.
Garland scowled, looking even more irritated.
“It’s obvious she grew up out in the country with you. She has absolutely no manners.”
He reached out to grab Lorna’s arm, but I yanked her back, keeping her safely out of his reach.
“Don’t touch my daughter!” I warned. “I’m already married, Garland. My husband loves me, and he takes incredible care of Lorna.
“I am never going to be your mistress. Do you actually still want me? Is that why you’re trying to force me to marry you?”
Garland scoffed.
“Want you?” he mocked. “Madelyn, I’m doing this strictly for the kid’s sake! And this supposed marriage? You’re lying. No guy is ever going to take on a woman saddled with another man’s kid.
“I wouldn’t believe you were married even if you paid some guy to stand here and play the part. Look, if you admit you’re wrong today and quietly bring the girl to the estate, I’ll still treat you with a shred of respect.
“But if you keep being difficult, I’ll make sure you never find a place to live or work in London ever again.”
I stared at him, completely disgusted.
“Garland, you’re impossibly arrogant. Even if you were the last man on earth, I wouldn’t want anything to do with you.”
That pushed him over the edge. His eyes flared, and he clenched his fists so hard his knuckles popped.
“Fine! Have it your way!” he spat. “Since you want to throw my generous offer back in my face and make things difficult, don’t come crying to me when I show you zero mercy!”
I just pulled Lorna close, feeling perfectly calm. I knew my husband would be arriving any minute to take us home.
“Touch me, Garland. I dare you.”
I stared him down, refusing to so much as blink.
Garland let out a sharp, cold laugh.
“I can punish whoever the hell I want in London.
“Grab the girl!”