With coldness settled behind his eyes, he let out a short laugh, the sound low and humorless.

“ Why?” He repeated, the word rolling off his tongue like a quiet mockery. “ Would you have loved to be rejected by two brothers on your wedding day?”

Her chest tightened. Her lips parted but no word came.

His lips curved, but there was nothing warm about it.

“ I saved you from shame and humiliation.” His gaze swept over her, sharp and dismissive. “You should be pitying yourself.” A small pause. “ Not me.”

For a moment, Tessa didn't react. The words hung in the air between them, heavy and cruel....