Sabrina! Who told you to speak to me like that

Joseph never got to finish. The driver slammed on the brakes, the car jerking to a violent halt.

Sabrina was thrown forward, crashing into Josephs chest with a force that left her seeing stars. His hand instinctively cradled her head, shielding her. If it werent for him, she mightve cracked it wide open.

The driver was quick to apologize. Im so sorry, Mr. Larkins!

Pay attention when you drive, Joseph said coldly, his voice a blade. Then he glanced down at Sabrina, his expression hard to read. Now, who told you to use that tone?

It was you, honey! Sabrinas voice turned sweet, syrupyalmost absurdly so. Youre the one who asked me to beg you, werent you?

This, nearly a decade into their marriage, was perhaps the first time she had ever dared to act coy with Joseph. Shed always suppressed that side of herself before, afraid hed find it annoying or childish. But now, standing on the edge of their crumbling union, she felt remarkably fearless. What did it matter if he didnt like it? This would be the last time anyway.

Sit up straight, Joseph instructed.

Sabrina immediately did as she was told, ramrod stiff.

And from now on, speak properly, he added.

Yes, she muttered.

Her clipped response seemed to irritate him further. Yes? What kind of answer is that? Did you hear me?

I heard you.

Hearing isnt enough, he shot back. You need to remember. Dont ever use that tone with other men.

The moment he said it, Joseph cursed under his breath, low and guttural. Joseph, what the hell are you doing? he scolded himself silently. He tugged at his tie, loosening it in frustration, as if it might help him breathe.

Youre out of your mind. You two are about to get divorced. Once shes free of you, she can flirt with whoever she damn well pleases. What do you care?

Later, as he tended to the scratch on her neck, his movements were uncharacteristically gentle. His fingertips brushed over her skin, feather-light, the sensation both soothing and electric. His breath, warm and near, fanned across her ear, making her nerves ignite.

Sabrina couldnt help but shiver.

Josephs hand stilled for a fraction of a second, as though hed felt it too. His eyes darkened, betraying thoughts she couldnt discern. They lingered thereuntil he seemed to collect himself and returned to the task.

When he finally withdrew, Sabrina exhaled, breathless with relief.

At a red light, Josephs voice broke the quiet. Turn left. Were going to the mall.

Sabrina frowned, confused. Not going to the office today?

No. Grandpas birthday got moved up. We still need a gift.

The explanation clicked instantly. She nodded. Ill help you pick something.

The two of them headed straight for the floor with the luxury boutiques. Theyd barely stepped into a jewelry store when a voice, soft and honeyed, called out. Joseph!

Sabrina turned, and her breath caught in her chest. There, in the middle of the store, was Layla.

Onlya Layla utterly unlike the one Sabrina had known.

She sat in a wheelchair.

For a moment, Sabrina couldnt move. Couldnt think. If she werent staring straight at her, she wouldnt have believed her own eyes. Wasnt Layla a dancer, striking and agile? How could this?

Joseph was already by Laylas side. What are you doing here? he asked, his voice low with concern. His eyes flicked to the skimpy dress she wore and darkened. The air conditionings freezing in here. Arent you cold?

Before Layla could answer, hed shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her.

She gave a shy smile and glanced at Sabrina. Oh, its not that bad. Hes just too protective. Gets worried Ill catch a chill.

The words hit Sabrina like a needle to the heartsharp, deliberate. Her gaze lowered, and she said nothing.

Turning back to Joseph, Laylas tone shifted to playful. I heard Grandpa Larkinss party got bumped up. I wanted to pick out something nice for him. Since youre here, maybe you could help me find the perfect gift?

Of course, he said.

Layla lit up, her face softening into a picture of delicate joy. She reached for Mia, her assistant. Mia, Im thirsty. Could you grab my bottle?

Mia looked flustered. Miss, IIm so sorry. I didnt realize the thermos was empty. Ill call someone to bring you a drink right away.

Joseph stepped in before she could finish. No need. Ill get it myself. He glanced at Sabrina. Wait here. I wont be long.

Sabrina nodded, her smile tight.

Once he was gone, Layla dismissed Mia too, leaving the two women alone.

Sabrina hesitated, her mouth opening to speakbut Layla was quicker.

Hes always been like that, she began, her voice laced with bittersweet pride. Anything I need, no matter how small, he insists on taking care of himself.

Ive told himdelegating to someone else would be fine. But he says he doesnt trust anyone else.

The words crept under Sabrinas skin, burrowing in places she didnt want them to. Every syllable felt designed to highlight a truth she could no longer ignore: Joseph truly could be attentive. Thoughtful.

Not with her, though. Never with her.

Not once in their marriage had he handled a single errand, no matter how significant a moment it marked. Her birthday, their anniversaries, holidaysXander, his assistant, had arranged them all.

But now, watching him leave simply to fetch Layla a cup of water, Sabrina saw it clearly. She could never compare.

Shed lost before shed even begun.

Shall we talk? Laylas voice broke the silence.

Sabrina swallowed, her throat dry. Yes.

Layla watched her carefully, and when she noticed where Sabrinas eyes had strayed, she spoke without prompting. I guess no one told you.

Sabrina shook her head. No. I never heard anything. What happened to your leg? Why didnt Joseph tell me?

Why would he? Laylas voice trembled, a spike of emotion rising before she smothered it. Sorry, she added after a calming breath. That was rude of me.

Its not just Joseph. No one in the Larkins family wouldve dared mention it. Grandpa Larkins made sure of that.

Why? Sabrina pressed, her pulse quickening.

Because the Larkins family is his kingdom, and what he says is law, Layla explained matter-of-factly. He sealed it tight. No one questions him.

She looked at Sabrina, her dark eyes almost pitying. You werent meant to know, Sabrina. They wrapped you in cotton, kept you in the dark. For your own good.

What... what do you mean? Sabrinas stomach turned, an ominous dread unfurling in her chest.

Layla hesitated only a second before continuing. Grandpa Larkins decided long ago. He wanted you for Joseph. It didnt matter that you came from a small family, no status, no wealth. To him, you were family, because of what your mother did for them. You? You were lucky.

Her tone dropped, bitter. Sometimes, I wonder. What if it had been my mother who saved their lives? Maybe then, I wouldve been the one to marry him. Maybe things couldve been different.

The predatory edge in her voice chilled Sabrina. Something buried deepa truth, or perhaps a liewas clawing its way to the surface.

What are you saying? Sabrina whispered, her throat tight.

Laylas lips curled faintly. Im saying Joseph never wanted to marry you.

No. Sabrina flinched as if struck. Her voice wavered, defensive. Youre lying.

But Layla only smiled, indulgently cruel. Believe what you like. The truth doesnt change. Joseph married you because he had no choice. He only did it... to protect me.