Chapter 4 up
Clark’s footsteps slammed harshly against the marble floor.
The bedroom door was thrown open so violently it rattled the walls, tightening the air inside the house. Clark’s face was flushed red, his jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with fury he no longer bothered to hide.
His phone was still clenched tightly in his hand.
“Nyla!”
Her name was shouted like an accusation.
Nyla, who was standing near the living room window, turned slowly. She wasn’t startled. She wasn’t afraid. It was as if she had been waiting for this explosion all morning.
“What?” she asked flatly.
That tone.
The tone that only fueled Clark’s anger.
“You kicked Selena out?” Clark roared. “How dare you!”
Nyla raised an eyebrow. “It’s my house. And she came without an invitation.”
“She’s carrying my child!” Clark shouted. “You have no right to treat her like that!”
Nyla smiled faintly—a cold, almost mocking smile.
“How funny,” she said softly. “You only remember the word rights now?”
Clark strode toward her quickly, the distance between them closing. His fists clenched, veins bulging in his neck.
“Who do you think you are now, huh?” he snarled. “An ungrateful wife!”
Nyla didn’t step back.
Not this time.
Instead, she stood straighter, meeting Clark’s gaze head-on without fear.
“I am your legal wife,” she replied calmly. “Not your mistress.”
Clark raised his hand.
The movement was fast. Rough. Full of intent.
For a moment, the air seemed to freeze.
But Nyla didn’t close her eyes. She didn’t scream. She didn’t flinch.
She only stared at his raised hand—then lifted her gaze to his face with a look that made Clark stop mid-motion.
“Go ahead,” Nyla said softly, almost a whisper. “And I swear, it will be the last mistake you ever make.”
Clark’s hand hovered in the air.
“Don’t challenge me!” he shouted, his voice trembling between rage and shock. “Since when did you dare to stand up to me?”
Nyla let out a small laugh. Not a happy one—bitter, wounded.
“Since you said another woman’s name while kissing me,” she said. “Since you told me you regretted marrying me.”
Clark fell silent for a brief moment.
“Do you think I’m still the woman who will tremble just because you raise your voice?” Nyla continued, her voice low but piercing. “The woman who will beg you not to leave?”
She took one step forward.
“You’re wrong.”
Clark stared at her, as if for the first time he was truly seeing his wife.
“Selena called me crying,” he said at last, his tone still harsh. “She said you insulted her and threw her out like trash!”
“I treated her exactly the way she came,” Nyla replied coldly. “Without shame.”
Clark clenched his jaw. “You’re jealous.”
“No,” Nyla shook her head. “I’m disgusted.”
That word made Clark flinch.
“I’m disgusted by your lies. Disgusted by the way you use me as a shield for your reputation while you sleep with another woman. And I’m disgusted by you thinking I’ll stay silent forever.”
“You should know your place!” Clark yelled.
“My place?” Nyla laughed bitterly. “I know my place now. And it’s not beneath your feet.”
Clark snorted angrily. “Don’t forget who pays for your life!”
Nyla looked at him with a thin, unreadable smile.
“Are you sure?” she asked softly.
Clark frowned. “What do you mean?”
Nyla didn’t answer right away. She walked to a small table and picked up a brown folder she had prepared since morning. She opened it, glanced briefly at its contents, then closed it again.
“Clark,” she said calmly. “I want you to listen very carefully.”
Clark scoffed. “I don’t have time—”
“I’m out of patience too,” Nyla cut in sharply.
Her tone made Clark fall silent.
“You think your threats still mean anything to me?” Nyla continued. “You think I’m afraid of losing a man who betrayed me, humiliated me, and almost hit me?”
Clark ground his teeth. “I’m angry because you crossed the line!”
“What line?” Nyla shot back. “The line where a wife isn’t allowed to stand up to a cheating husband?”
Silence filled the room.
Clark slowly lowered his hand, though his anger hadn’t faded.
“Selena will stay here,” he said at last, as if issuing a command. “Get used to it.”
Nyla smiled—this time not cold, but calm in a way that was terrifying.
“No,” she said simply.
Clark blinked. “What?”
“She will not stay in this house,” Nyla repeated. “And you will not bring her here.”
“You can’t forbid me!”
“I can,” Nyla replied. “And I will.”
Clark laughed mockingly. “With what? Tears?”
Nyla stepped closer, locking eyes with him.
“With the truth,” she said quietly. “And you know very well… that’s what you fear the most.”
Clark’s face hardened.
“I’ve been silent for too long,” Nyla continued. “And my silence made you think I was weak.”
She shook her head slowly.
“The greatest mistake a man can make,” she whispered, “is underestimating a woman who has already lost everything.”
Clark stared at her—for the first time feeling… uncertain.
“Whatever you’re planning,” he said threateningly, “don’t you dare try to destroy my life.”