1.Chapter 1 An Apology Or A Divorce
A heart-wrenching scream echoed through the Mackenzie manor.
It was Tatiana Mackenzie’s eightieth birthday party, and guests had gathered in the manor’s living room. The festive atmosphere took an unexpected turn when the unusual scream resounded, prompting everyone to follow its source.
At the foot of the staircase lay Quincey Ferguson, visibly in pain, with evident bruises on her exposed calves and arms and blood oozing from some wounds. All eyes turned toward the top of the stairs, where Whitney Collins stood. Instantly, realization dawned on everyone.
“Even if you’re upset about Mr. Machenzie being in love with someone else, you’re supposed to direct your anger toward your husband. How could you hurt her like this?” Someone rebuked Whitney.
Another person chimed in, “Exactly. You should talk to your husband, not find trouble with his mistress.”
The guests immediately mocked and criticized Whitney upon witnessing this scene despite not knowing what had happened.
While Whitney married into the Mackenzie family, everyone in Jacaster was well aware that she had stolen that position from Quincey. Therefore, they found Whitney’s outburst ridiculous when she should consider herself fortunate that Quincey had let the matter slide.
At this moment, Thiago Mackenzie entered through the door with a measured pace. Upon noticing him, someone couldn’t help but gloat. “Mr. Mackenzie, please calm your wife down, or someone might really end up getting harmed.”
Thiago frowned slightly. He hurriedly approached, his eyes darkening at the scene before him. Quickly crouching to check on Quincey, he asked, “What happened? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Ms. Collins… She didn’t mean it. I should’ve been more careful,” Quincey explained weakly.
‘She didn’t mean it? Whitney is too bold to hurt an innocent girl at will!’ Thiago fumed inwardly.
Suddenly rising to his feet, he rushed up the stairs, shouting at Whitney, “Apologize to Quincey now!” His voice was cold, booming, and authoritative.
‘Apologize? He hasn’t even listened to my side of the story, and he already believes I hurt her?’ Whitney thought.
She smiled bitterly but defiantly raised her chin. “Why should I apologize? I didn’t do anything.”
“Are you implying that she fell off the stairs herself?” Thiago shot back.
“Yes! She even tried to frame me!” Whitney stated.
Her words provoked laughter from the guests. Naturally, they didn’t believe her, considering that falling from the more than ten steps of this staircase could be life-threatening. They doubted anyone would intentionally risk their life to set someone up.
Thiago harbored the same skepticism. Without hesitation, he dragged Whitney to Quincey, causing Whitney to lose her balance in the process and strike her forehead on the handrail of the stairs. It instantly became red and swollen.
Regardless, Thiago didn’t feel sorry about it and instead hissed coldly, “You deserve it!”
Burning with anger, he repeated, “Apologize to her!”
“Never!” Whitney stubbornly refused. She hadn’t done anything wrong, and she’d never apologize for something she didn’t do.
Just then, Quincey, rubbing her wound in pain, said softly, “Thiago, forget it… I’m fine. Don’t fight with Ms. Collins on my account.” Her voice instantly evoked sympathy from others.
Her humble plea also accentuated Whitney’s perceived malice. All of a sudden, Thiago pinched Whitney’s chin harshly and said through gritted teeth, “Apologize to her, or we’re getting a divorce. It’s your choice!”
Whitney was left stunned, with the guests’ ridicule growing louder in the background.
