Chapter 21

It was only at this moment that Chad realized Willow wasn't born meek and gentle. The sharp words and piercing gaze—this was who she really was. In the past five years, she'd forced herself to become the kind of woman he liked, all just to stay by his side. Chad thought of the opportunity abroad Willow had given up for him, of the forced smiles she wore every time she was wronged, and of the day she signed the surgery consent form all alone when she had a miscarriage. The memory fragments felt like a blade that sliced through him painfully. The intense pain spread from his chest through every nerve in his body, nearly causing him to stumble and fall. Chad clenched his teeth so hard that blood filled his mouth. This was the punishment he deserved—for his blindness, selfishness, and for betraying the purest form of love he had been given. Willow headed straight to the study without hesitation. She knew this house inside out—muscle memory leading her unerringly to the drawer which co