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I stared at him and then at Judy. I picked up my phone and tapped it. A whoosh echoed as a message was sent. Holding my cheating husband’s eyes, I spoke.

“That went to Lyle. We’re all aware of what his temper is like. The next email I send goes to Judy’s parents, then yours. Then I’ll start sending to your business clients and so on. Get the fuck out, both of you. You make me sick!” I said hollowly.

“You messaged Lyle?” Judy gasped.

“I think Lyle should know what his wife is doing.” I smirked coldly. “Good luck wriggling out of that video.”

Judy fled as Gerard turned to me, fists clenched.

“Touch me, and I shall destroy you,” I murmured as fear raced through me.

“Lyle isn’t the only one with a temper,” Gerard warned.

I held his eyes, swallowing terror. “Oh, I’m well aware. My hospital records state that clearly.”

“What records?” Gerard grinned.

“You know,” I replied.

“There are none,” Gerard stated as he stepped towards me.

I saw the violence boiling in him. “Think again, Gerard. I mean it, you’ve beaten me enough. No more. Today was the final straw,” I said boldly.

His hand shot out and punched me, and I staggered away. Gerard stalked after me. An internal voice screamed for me to shut up, especially with that look in his eye. Gerard was going to beat me within an inch of my life if I backed down. A second and third punch followed, and I skittled across the kitchen to the other counter. I pulled a knife from the rack, and he paused, a flicker of fear.

“This whole scene is being recorded. Live. I’m done with you,” I warned. Gerard paused and stepped away. “I want a divorce.”

His phone began ringing, and he looked down at it.

“Going to answer that?” I demanded as Lyle’s ringtone filled the kitchen.

Gerard stormed off, and I sank to the floor. This wasn’t over. How stupid of me? Gerard had slapped and beaten me for years, and I’d taken it. But sticking his dick in my best friend had been what caused me to stand up and find my courage. That made me more than a fool. The abuse was worse than Gerard’s cheating.

What was wrong with me? I’d taken enough, and if I was honest, Gerard being unfaithful didn’t bother me. It was Judy’s betrayal that hurt.

January 18th

Confused, I opened my eyes, or at least tried to, and a hand gently brushed my hair aside. My eyes were almost swollen shut.

“Mrs Silver, I’m a nurse. You’re safe now,” a woman murmured.

“What happened?” I asked, fuzzy-headed. My head felt foggy, and everything hurt.

“We’re hoping you could tell us. Your eldest son called for an ambulance.”

“What? What day is this?”

“The eighteenth of January. You’ve been unconscious for two days, honey.”

I frowned, and I saw Gerard’s snarling face. Slowly, the memory trickled back in. “My husband—Gerard did this.”

Silence met me. “Mr Silver has been visiting every day.”

“Call the police, and please don’t let him in. Gerard was trying to kill me, and I can prove it!” I gasped.

The truth of what happened rushed in…

Gerard had returned home the day after I’d caught him. He was beyond furious. Lyle had acted quicker than anyone could have believed. Gerard had missed out on a fifty-million project Lyle had snatched out from under his nose. Worse, Lyle had given it to Gerard’s biggest competitor. Gerard had lost the plot and came back and beaten me half to death. I’d fled to the bedroom where I’d a camera recording.