Chapter 41:
There was something about the way Linsey spoke, the absolute certainty in her voice.
His instincts told him she wasn’t just saying this out of spite.
But his pride refused to accept it.
Linsey loved him. She always had. There was no way another man had taken his place.
Clenching his jaw, he forced his doubts aside and said in a low, commanding tone, “Linsey, my patience is wearing thin. You’re coming home with me today, whether you like it or not.”
“Get lost!” Linsey snapped, exasperation flaring in her eyes. “I am going home—my home. What does that have to do with you?”
Felix’s expression turned ice-cold, his voice dropping as he warned, “Linsey, don’t push your luck.”
She gave him a slow, scrutinizing once-over before scoffing. “Oh? What now? You’re mad? Thinking of punishing me? Who do you think you are, Felix?”
She then urged impatiently, “Move. You’re in my way.”
Seeing that she was serious about leaving, Felix swallowed his frustration and tried to reason with her. “Linsey, you’re just saying all this to piss me off, right? Fine, I admit it. You got under my skin. Now, let’s stop this nonsense and go home.”
Without waiting for an answer, he reached out, grabbing her wrist forcefully.
Linsey recoiled instantly, yanking her arm free as if his touch was something vile. “Don’t touch me!” she snapped. “If you don’t stop harassing me, I’m calling the police!”
Her voice was sharp and clear, drawing the attention of the onlookers.
Excitement buzzed through the crowd.
“Are they really going to take this to the cops?”
“Oh wow, what’s happening?”
“That guy doesn’t look trustworthy. He gives off a domestic abuser vibe.”
Felix’s head snapped toward the man who made the comment, his glare sharp enough to cut.
The passerby flinched, pressing a hand to his chest as if to steady himself. “See? I told you! He’s got a violent streak!”
“Yeah, I agree. A total disgrace to men everywhere.”
“Wait, isn’t there another woman next to him? What’s her deal?”
“Isn’t it obvious? That’s his side chick.”
“A side chick and he’s chasing after another woman? What a sleazebag.”
“He probably just likes the pretty one more.”
As the murmurs grew louder, Felix’s face darkened with humiliation. Grinding his teeth, he pointed accusingly at Linsey and snapped, “Quit making up stories! She’s my girlfriend!”
Linsey shot back without hesitation, her voice ringing out loud and clear. “He’s lying! You’re all smart enough to see the truth. I have a husband. I came here today to buy clothes for him, and this man keeps blocking my way. He thinks I’m an easy target just because I’m alone!”
Her words ignited instant outrage among the crowd.
“Come over here! Don’t let him harass you!”
“What a creep, going after any pretty woman he sees. Absolutely disgusting.”
“Just call the cops, ma’am. We’ll back you up, and the store’s cameras have it all on tape.”
One after another, voices rose in agreement, condemning Felix without hesitation. His face burned with humiliation, and for once, he was at a complete loss for words.
