Such a direct question forced Shalma Hughes to retreat in defeat. She stumbled back several steps, her eyes brimming with confusion and uncertainty. A faint, imperceptible emotion flickered in her usually cunning gaze. Yet, a split second later, a cold sneer curved her lips. "No matter who that person is, it's definitely not me," she said.
Their marriage was born of a transaction. Back then, he had made it abundantly clear that the person he loved would never return. But now, that person was back. Couldn't she just step aside?
Hearing Shalma's response, Julian Winslow couldn't hold back anymore. He strode forward and clamped his hands tightly onto her shoulders. His grip was astonishingly strong. Forcing the words through gritted teeth, he demanded, "You're always like this, time and time again. No matter what I say or do, you simply refuse to believe me. What exactly are you so afraid of?"
