“You know,” she began, her gaze fixed on her dinner. “Ethan served me the court papers today.” The very thought of it evoked a mirthless laugh from her lips.

“As is appropriate,” Ethan said plainly.

“Is it? Perhaps I am mistaken,” Gently, she lifted the glass of wine to her lips and took a sip, perhaps in an attempt to swallow the bitter taste that was filling her mouth? Perhaps it was in an attempt to keep her hands from hurling the glass at him? Placing the cup on the table once more, her eyes drifted back to the pork before her. “But I find the entire thing amusing, Ethan, considering the fact that just a few days ago, we were wrapped in each other's arms, engaged in a kiss.”

Silence followed —a deafening, heart wrenching silence.

“I guess he didn't tell you, did he?” Slowly, she raised her gaze to Gretchen who was seated across from her, with her face devoid of color and her lips agape.

Satisfied with the look on Gretchen's face, a small smile creased her own, her attention shifting to Ethan's visibly furious face. “Did you?” She raised a brow, her gaze holding his. “Ethan claims to be in love with you...”

“Juliet, enough!” The suddenness of his words stunned her to silence momentarily. Then, just as quickly, her shock passed and in its place, anger —she was angered by Ethan and his new bride! She was angered by the very thought that they had tried to shove her aside after using her, and live happily without her. And in that second, all she wanted to do was burn down their imaginary happy world. She wanted them to feel the sense of loss she felt. She wanted them to feel the anger that threatened to drive her insane!

“But even you, Gretchen are certain of the fact that I'm the one he loves!” She yelled, rising to her feet. “Isn't that why you ran off? The crashing sound was like the sound of your savior because deep down, you know. You knew and you know just how much Ethan here loves me!”

Gretchen shook her head, tears running down her pale face. Ethan just sat there, silent.

“This is my home!” Juliet waved her hands. “That, seated in your lap, is my child.” She motioned to Elizabeth. “And finally, this is my husband! Nothing will ever change that, Gretchen —not the courts, not Ethan and most definitely not you!

Chapter Forty

Silence rang in the room.

Seated in her chair, all Gretchen could think about as Juliet spoke was Jacob. For some strange reason, her mind was fixed on the butler rather than the implications of Juliet's words.

Jacob was in need of a doctor and Gretchen had managed to convince Ethan to retire him, instead of firing him. It was unheard of but Ethan had been more than willing to heed to Gretchen's pleas and the butler had been beyond grateful.