Page 77 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

"Forget it." He cut me off and turned toward the stairs. "You won't kick her out anyway. You always take her side."

His footsteps pounded up the stairs, each one heavy with fury. Then his bedroom door slammed shut with a bang.

I stood in the living room, staring at the broken pieces on the floor.

Footsteps came down the stairs. Lina appeared, holding a handkerchief, eyes red-rimmed.

"Lucifer..." Her voice caught. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I was just trying to clean that room, and I accidentally knocked over the vase..."

I didn't say anything. Just looked at her.

She walked up to me, biting her lip. "Liam's so angry. He said awful things. I know he doesn't like me, but I really didn't mean to..."

"Why did you go in that room?" I cut her off.

Lina froze. "I-I was just cleaning—"

"That room gets cleaned regularly," I said coldly. "You didn't need to go in there."

Her face paled. "I just..."

"Where were you tonight?" She suddenly changed subjects, voice trembling. "Lucifer, where did you go tonight?"

I looked at her. Didn't answer.

"Is..." She bit her lip. "Is Elena back?"

My fingers tightened.

"I saw the business news," Lina continued, voice getting more frantic. "Windsor Fragrances is opening a branch in Silver pine. That's her store, isn't it? She's back."

Still, I said nothing.

"Lucifer, you've changed," Lina said, tears starting to fall. "You're getting colder to me. You won't let me near you, won't let me take care of you, won't even let me look after Liam anymore. Why?"

"Because I've always loved her," I said, each word crystal clear.

Lina went completely still.

"I've always been clear about that." I stepped forward. "Lina, I don't have those feelings for you. I never did."

"But—"

"I've made arrangements for you," I interrupted. "There's a house on the north side, registered in your name. And money. Enough for you to live on."

Lina's face went white. "You... you're kicking me out?"

"Not kicking you out," I said. "But it's not right for you to stay here. Liam doesn't like you, and I need space."

"But I have nowhere else to go!" Her voice rose. "Lucifer, the Hale family took me in. This is my home—"

"This was never your home."

When those words left my mouth, Lina reeled back like she'd been struck.

"You're doing this for her?" She stared at me, eyes full of disbelief. "For Elena, you're throwing me out? But she hurt Liam! She's a liar! She—"

"Enough."