"You think he can't bear to let you go?" Evelyn's voice sharpened, clearly dissatisfied with my lack of resistance. "I know everything—you've been married three years, and he hasn't touched you once!"
"That's not what I meant."
I maintained my gentle facade. "I mean that divorce isn't up to me. You have to ask him. If he agrees, I'll fully cooperate."
Heavy footsteps approached from the hallway.
"Daniela, I know I was wrong! Please, don't hit me anymore!"
Evelyn's hand flew up and viciously slapped her own face several times. Then she threw herself off the desk, collapsing onto the floor and bursting into loud, theatrical sobs.
I glanced at the wet mark her towel had left on my documents.
Bile rose in my throat. I felt nothing but disgust.
"Evelyn?"
Lucas rushed in. Seeing Evelyn crumpled on the floor, weeping hysterically, his eyes reddened with instant heartache. Rage clouded his judgment.
"Daniela Bates, you have some nerve!"
He pointed a trembling finger at me and roared, "Kneel down and apologize to Evelyn! Now!"
I stood immediately.
Walked over to Evelyn.
And without a moment's hesitation, dropped to my knees. My voice was eerily calm. "Evelyn, I was wrong. Please forgive me, okay?"