No longer in love ) Chapter 4 : The Ultimatum Then get on with it ! Eleanor insisted , her gaze now squarely on me ) exper a grubland by next year . No excuses . I rose slowly , my expression carefully neutral , a mask of composure conceding the sunroot within . Lucians child , regardless of who bears it , is of no consequence to me . I said , my wore waday Ive finished breakfast . Ill be going upstairs . Eleanors eyes , for the first time , held a flicker of something akin to respect a guigne acknowledgment of my resilience . Then its settled . Well have the child raised by Millie . The sharp crack of shattering porcelain punctuated Lucians outburst . He vice , low at dangerous , filled the room . Fine , Millie . Dont regret this . I wouldnt . I was already gone , in spirit , from this suffocating marriage . Naturally , Lucians child had no relation to me . Eleanors actions were swift and decisive . That afternoon , she arranged for a private nurse to move imo Kates patent The rumour mill churned , whispering of an impending divorce . But they didnt know Id already attempted to divorce when Alex nem o pris Lucians response had been a furious torrent of anger , a calculated campaign of repe Hed stopped coming home , flaunting his relationship with Katie , ignoring my cals , my tem his from office with punic humiliating even dismissing me Then , after a month , he returned . It was also the last time I quarreled with him because of Katie . I cried and asked him why he did this to me ? His response ? displays He cupped my chin , his touch cold and devoid of tenderness , You wanted a divorce ? How could you not stand such a small thing ? It was a calculated punishment , a systematic erosion of my self worth . It wasnt enough , dough He needed to inflict pain , profound , lasting pain to break my spirit to ensure that I remained compliant , terrified of uttering the word divorce again . In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Set in a blend of romance and drama, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" stands out for its intricate character dynamics and the seamless fusion of passion and intrigue. With every chapter, CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world where love confronts darkness, leaving them yearning for more. Discover the enthralling saga of Zoe and Ashton, available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in this unique tale that defies conventions and promises an unforgettable literary experience.