The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 3

She rose from her seat and slowly made her way to the empty chair beside Elias.

"That's better. A couple must be united to walk a long path together. I'm getting old. The future of the Shawn family rests on you. Seeing you two getting along puts my mind at ease," Old Mr. Shawn said with a smile, his tone casual.-

But everyone at the table understood his words for what they were: a clear show of support for Victoria.

Elias's eyes were unreadable. "I get it, Grandfather."

Victoria kept her gaze lowered, saying nothing, but the air around her grew colder, as if she were trapped in an ice cave where every breath was a blast of frigid wind.

Old Mr. Shawn nodded in satisfaction. "Good, now let's eat! Victoria, you look like you've lost weight. Eat more. If you can't reach something, have Elias get it for you."

"...Alright."

Victoria murmured her assent, her eyes still downcast.

Suddenly, a piece of garlic-roasted pork was placed in her plate.

Startled, Victoria looked up just in time to see Elias retracting his fork.

She stared at the piece of pork, her grip on her own fork tightening. She was eating delicious food, but all she could taste was a bitter poison on her tongue.

Elias frowned as he studied Victoria. Had her wrists always been this thin? They looked as if they might snap with the slightest pressure.

And... why was her face so pale?

After dinner, the family gathered in the living room for conversation.

Victoria deliberately lingered at the table, ensuring she was the last to finish.

The pain in her abdomen was growing stronger. She pressed a hand against it, trying to ease the ache as she stood up.

Elias, returning from a phone call, saw her standing by the table, her figure so frail she looked as if a gust of wind could knock her over.

On an impulse he couldn't explain, he walked over to her.

"What did you mean earlier when you said you weren't feeling well?"

"It's nothing..." Victoria hadn't expected him to return. She quickly dropped her hand and started to walk away.

Elias was about to say more when his eyes fell on her plate. The piece of pork he had given her was still there, untouched.

"Why didn't you eat it?" His face darkened, and he grabbed her by the wrist.

The sudden pull made her stumble. "There's no reason. I just didn't want it."

"Victoria, don't provoke me," Elias warned, his other hand clamping around her waist. "You know what happens when you make me angry."

Panic flared in Victoria's chest. She struggled to free her hand, but in the next instant, he shoved her against the wall.

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