Chapter 71
The hum of the gallery was usually a comfort.
Today, it was suffocating.
I sat behind the counter, flipping through invoices without really seeing the words. Margaret's voice echoed in my mind, her sharp, disdainful tone picking apart my self-worth like a vulture tearing through carrion.
"Do away with her.. or I'll help you do it."
It wasn't the first time I'd been reminded I wasn't good enough for the Wills family. But somehow, hearing it again, after everything, made it feel like I was back at square one.
Tyler had stood up for me. I'd seen it in his eyes last night when he walked away from Margaret. But did that mean he truly believed I belonged in his world?
I closed my eyes and leaned back in my chair, the weight of the past few days pressing down on me.
Margaret's words were one thing, but Caleb's face.. his voice.. had haunted me all night. The disbelief in his eyes, the way he'd looked at me as if I were a stranger.
And he wasn't wrong, was he? I didn't recognize myself either.
The chime of the front door startled me. I straightened quickly, pushing aside my thoughts as a middle-aged woman stepped inside.
She wore a broad smile, her eyes scanning the gallery with appreciation.
"This place is lovely," she said, her voice warm.
"Thank you," I replied, forcing a smile of my own. "Let me know if you have any questions."
She nodded and wandered off to admire a series of abstract paintings near the window. I exhaled slowly, trying to ground myself in the present.
The customer asked a few questions, purchased a small sculpture, and left with a cheery goodbye.
For a brief moment, I felt lighter, but as soon as the door closed behind her, the weight of everything came rushing back.
I turned toward the back of the gallery, considering retreating to my office when the door chime rang again.
This time, it was Tyler.
He strode in with his usual confidence, dressed in a crisp shirt and tailored trousers, looking every bit the Wills heir that Margaret wanted him to be.
His eyes softened when they landed on me, but there was a weariness there too, one I recognized all too well.
"Hey," he said, his voice low.
"Hey," I replied, trying not to let my unease show.
He approached me, his hands finding my waist as he leaned down to kiss my temple. "I needed to see you. After last night..."
I pulled away slightly, avoiding his gaze. "I'm fine, Tyler. You didn't have to come all the way here."
"Of course, I did," he said, his tone firm. "I know Margaret upset you. She always has something to say, but you can't let her get to you."
I crossed my arms, staring at a spot over his shoulder. "It's not just Margaret, Tyler. It's everything. This whole situation.. pretending to be your wife again, facing your family.. it's too much."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know it's a lot, but I told you I'd handle it. I meant that."
"And what if you can't?" I snapped, the words spilling out before I could stop them. "Your aunt has never liked me. She's always wanted someone...better for you."
"You are better," Tyler said, stepping closer.
"Am I?" I shot back, meeting his gaze for the first time. "Because she doesn't seem to think so. She made that pretty clear last night."
Tyler's jaw tightened. "Margaret doesn't get to decide who I'm with."
"But she influences everyone around you, doesn't she? Your grandfather, your parents.. they all listen to her. Do you regret standing up to her for me? Because it sure feels like you do."
His eyes widened, the shock evident. "I don't regret anything, Samantha. Why would you even think that?"
"Because you hesitated last night," I said quietly. "When she said those things about me, you didn't shut her down immediately. You let her talk, Tyler. You always let her talk."
"That's not fair," he said, his voice rising slightly. "You don't know how hard it's been to keep the peace while trying to protect you."
"Protect me?" I laughed bitterly. "You think this is protection? Dragging me back into your family's mess so your grandfather doesn't find out about your divorce?"
Tyler's shoulders sagged, the fire in his eyes dimming. "I didn't mean for it to be like this. I just wanted..."
"Wanted what?" I interrupted, my voice trembling. "To use me as a shield? A pawn in your game with your family?"
Tyler took a deep breath, the sound of his heart beating in his ears like a distant drum. He could feel the rift between them growing, widening like a chasm, threatening to swallow everything they'd once been.
"I know it seems that way," he said, his voice low and soft, "but you have to believe me when I tell you that you mean more to me than that. You were always more than a shield, Samantha."
He reached out, his fingers tracing her jawline, the touch a plea for understanding. His silence spoke volumes.
I turned away, pressing a hand to my forehead as the weight of the argument threatened to overwhelm me. I didn't want to cry. Not now. Not here.
My phone buzzed on the counter, cutting through the tension. Grateful for the distraction, I grabbed it, only to freeze when I saw the message on the screen.
"Ignoring me won't make me go away."
Caleb.
My stomach twisted as I stared at the words, my pulse quickening.
"Who's that?" Tyler's voice cut through the silence, sharp and curious.
I turned to find him watching me, his expression unreadable.
"No one," I said quickly, but the lie was too thin to hold.
"Sam," he said, his tone firmer now. "Who's messaging you?"
I swallowed hard, clutching the phone tighter as I met his gaze. His concern was clear, but so was the flicker of suspicion.
And I had no idea what to say.