Chapter 52

The sting on her cheek lingered, hot and humiliating. Lily’s mind was still struggling to catch up with what had just happened. David’s hand had actually struck her. The man who once promised—even in coldness—that he would never humiliate her in public, had done it in front of everyone. For a few seconds, the world around her blurred. She couldn’t hear the gasps, the whispers, or Olivia’s sharp intake of breath. All she could hear was the dull pounding in her chest, the echo of that slap repeating over and over again. When her vision finally cleared, she caught sight of Marina clutching her stomach, crying out weakly, her voice dripping with fear and accusation. Guests surrounded her like bees to honey, some helping, others only curious. And then David, without hesitation, bent down, scooped Marina into his arms, and left. He didn’t look back. Not once. Olivia’s face darkened with rage, her lips trembling. “How dare he… slap my daughter-in-law like that! Right in front of me!” she mutt