The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 23

Petty felt like her chest had suddenly tightened, as if something was pressing down on her and she couldn’t breathe.

When she woke up that afternoon, she’d noticed clean pajamas and a smear of ointment on her cheek. For just a second, she’d wondered if Franco actually cared about her, even a little bit.

But now she knew for sure. He didn’t. Not even close.

Franco didn’t have a single drop of kindness for her. If he did, there’s no way he could say something so heartless.

Petty almost laughed at herself. How could she have been so naive to expect even a sliver of warmth from him?

“Don’t worry. I’ve known my place since the day I married you. But listen to me, Franco. I only ever loved you…”

Her voice trembled as a tear slid down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly, putting on a brave face.

“But I have self-respect too. My pride isn’t something you can just walk all over. I haven’t done anything to deserve this. Did you come here just to humiliate me? Did you really want to see me fall apart, to see me cry? Well, congratulations. You got what you wanted. Are you happy now?”

Her throat tightened as she forced out the last words. She reached for the door handle, ready to leave.

Suddenly, the car’s central lock clicked. She couldn’t get out.

“Family dinner tonight,” Franco said, his tone making the air in the car grow heavy.

Petty’s hand paused on the handle.

Today was the first day of the lunar month.

And every first of the lunar month, the White family had their traditional dinner.

So that’s why he’d tracked her down and made her get in the car. They had to show up together at The White Estate. It was all for Adelaide, so she’d see them as a couple and stop worrying.

Petty glanced over at Franco as he started the car, his face half-hidden in the shadows. Suddenly, she felt all her strength slip away.

How could she have forgotten?

Even though they lived under the same roof, they hardly ever crossed paths. Franco was always away on business, and she was busy with work, sometimes getting home in the middle of the night. He was gone every morning before she woke up. They even slept in separate rooms.

Franco’s voice drifted to her from the car.

Petty stopped for a second.

Jay got out of the car behind them. He was tall and quick, reaching her in just a few steps. He held out a pill for her.

Petty didn’t take it. Instead, she looked back at Franco.

He was still sitting in the car. From where she stood, she could only see the lower half of his face, his sharp jawline and pale skin. Far from looking delicate, it just made him seem more refined, more untouchable. He had the cool confidence of someone born to be in charge.

His lips parted.

People always said men with thin lips were cold by nature. With Franco, that chill seemed reserved just for her.

“It’s better if you don’t want kids. Saves us both a lot of trouble.”