DEBORAH'S POV
There was something in his voice that made my chest tighten. An edge that hadn't been there when we were in public.
"You came," I said carefully. "Despite all those cruel things you said to me on the phone. Despite telling me you're not really my husband anymore."
He turned to face me fully, and I saw something in his eyes that made my heart race. Not love. Not even affection. Something colder.
"Why are you really here?" I asked, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.
He was quiet for a long moment, just staring at me. When he spoke, his voice was gentle, almost pitying.
"Are you sure you want to hear the answer to that question? Because it's going to hurt you."
I felt tears prick at my eyes, but I forced them back. "You've hurt me more than enough, Elijah. Nothing you say now can really hurt me anymore."
He studied my face for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I came because Imogen asked me to."
