"Blake, Theresa stuck by you for ten years. You really went and got the certificate with that little flower?"

"The girl wanted security. It's just a piece of paper. What difference does it make?"

"What if Theresa leaves? No regrets?"

My heart clenched. Then I heard him laugh, lazy and careless.

"Theresa's entire world is me. Ten years by my side—I've already ruined her for anything else. At this point, she's no different from a dirty old rag."

"I know her too well. Even after I'm done with her, she'll still be standing right where I left her, waiting like a good girl."

The rest of his words dissolved into static.

I walked to the sink and splashed water on my face, again and again, until I bit down hard on the base of my thumb.

I watched the water drip into the basin, mixing with tears I refused to let anyone hear.

Blake Vance, this time you bet wrong.

This dirty rag you threw away won't be waiting for you anymore.

I turned and walked out of the restroom.

A slap cracked across my face before I even saw it coming.

I pressed my hand to my burning cheek and turned, disbelief flooding through me.