Chapter Seven: A Marriage on Trial
Khloe remained in the hospital for six days.
The immediate danger passed, but the doctors ordered bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy.
Marcus arranged private security around the maternity wing, then stayed away from her room unless she requested him.
She requested him only twice.
The first time was to sign temporary medical authority giving Evelyn and Jonathan the right to make emergency decisions if Khloe could not.
The second was to discuss their marriage.
They met in a family consultation room.
Khloe sat in a wheelchair with a blanket across her legs. Marcus sat opposite her, leaving several feet between them.
“I know about Adrian,” she said.
Marcus nodded.
“He has been suspended from the board.”
“And Isabella?”
“Released on bail. She surrendered her passport.”
Khloe looked toward the window.
“I keep hearing her voice.”
Marcus’s hands tightened.
“I’m sorry.”
“You keep saying that.”
“Because there is nothing else honest to say.”
Khloe studied him.
“Did you enjoy her attention?”
He could have lied.
Months earlier, he would have called the question ridiculous. He would have hidden behind technical innocence.
Now he answered.
“At first, I found it flattering.”
Khloe’s eyes filled with hurt.
Marcus continued before fear could silence him.
“I knew she wanted more. I did not encourage a relationship, but I used her interest to maintain her father’s support. I convinced myself that because I never touched her, I was not betraying you.”
“But you were.”
“Yes.”
“You let me look foolish.”
“Yes.”
“You made me question whether I was imagining it.”
“Yes.”
Each answer stripped something from him.
Khloe looked down at her hands.
“I don’t know whether I can forgive you.”
“I understand.”
“I may leave.”
“I understand.”
“I may raise this child without you as my husband.”
Pain moved across Marcus’s face, but he did not interrupt.
Khloe looked at him again.
“The old Marcus would have offered money, a house, lawyers, anything except accountability.”
“The old Marcus thought providing was the same as loving.”
“And what do you think now?”
“That love without protection, honesty, and respect is only ownership with better language.”
Khloe was silent.
Marcus removed his wedding ring and placed it on the table.
Her expression changed.
“I’m not asking for a divorce,” he said. “I’m giving you the choice I should have respected all along.”
He stood.
“I will remain the child’s father. I will support every decision that keeps you both safe. But I will not pressure you to stay married because of our name, the company, or the baby.”
He walked toward the door.
“Marcus.”
He stopped.
Khloe looked at the ring.
“You can keep wearing it.”
Hope entered his face.
She raised one hand.
“That is not forgiveness.”
“I know.”
“It is time.”
May you like
He picked up the ring and placed it back on his finger.
“For the first time in my life,” he said, “I’m willing to earn something slowly.”
