Chapter 23 56 % X Suzy's POV Seeing that I still refused to compromise , Franco's patience was wearing thin . His voice hardened as he shot another demand my way . " Can you stop these antics already ? I've bought you everything you've always wanted . Can't you just accept them ? Our grandkids are still waiting for you ! " I stared at him , seeing his frustration clearly on his face . I couldn't hold back any longer , so I finally asked something I'd been wondering about for years . " Franco , in all these years , was there ever a moment when you truly loved me ? " It was such a simple question , but it hit him like a freight train . His silence stretched between us , and I could see the flicker of guilt in his eyes . I let out a soft , bitter laugh and pointed to the bouquet of roses in his hands . " You don't love me , do you ? No wonder you never remembered that I'm allergic to roses . My favorite flower has always been bellflowers . " Then , I added , " Franco , let's let each other go . You love Ingrid , and I've already given you both what you wanted . Please , stop trying to tie me down . " His lips pressed together , frustration radiating off him . " But … the kids need you . " I turned back to face him , keeping my tone calm but resolute . " That's your problem . I'm no longer a part of your family . " With that , I turned again , determined to leave . But before I could even take a step , Franco grabbed my wrist . I pulled back , my heart sinking as disappointment clouded his expression . " How can you be so heartless ? You gave birth to those children . You have to take responsibility for them . You can't just walk away halfway ! " I yanked my wrist free and let my voice snap . " Who's going to take responsibility for me ? I've spent half my life taking care of you and the kids . You get to chase your dreams , while I've been stuck in that small house . Do you think that's fair to me ? " I could see it in his eyes . He would never understand my pain . And honestly , I was finished trying to explain it . Franco moved forward again , but just then , a black car pulled up and blocked my path . The window rolled down , revealing Bernard's calm face , as if he belonged there . He raised an eyebrow , amusement in his eyes . " Franco , you're the one who insisted on Chapter 22 9/2 73.3 % 23:27 Mon , Aug 11 ► ⠀ D ) · 56 % X divorcing Suzy in the first place . How long has it been , and now you're already regretting it ? This isn't like you . " Franco shot me a glance , his eyes narrowing like a lightbulb had just gone off in his head . " You don't want to come back with me because of him , right ? Suzy , how have you changed ? You weren't so materialistic when you were younger , but now you care more about money than ever ? " His eyes flared with anger as he turned back to Bernard . " Just because he's richer and more powerful than me , you've abandoned your family for him ? Suzy , you've really disappointed me ! " That was the last straw . I spun on my heel and slapped him across the face . " You hit me , " Franco said in disbelief . " Damn right I did ," I snapped coldly . " That mouth of yours deserved it . " Franco stood there , his face showing shock and pain as he said , " Suzy , if you keep acting like this , I won't speak to you again . " Meanwhile , quick on the draw , Bernard didn't hesitate . " Looks like you're the one really slipping , Maxwell . You used to bully the weak and fear the strong . Guess that hasn't changed . You only know how to hurt the ones who love you . " He glanced at me , then added , " Suzy really had the worst luck to end up with you . " Franco's face grew even darker . Even though he respected Bernard's massive influence , he couldn't tolerate another man interfering with his family . " Bernard , this is a matter between my wife and me . It's none of your fucking business ! " Bernard's expression hardened . " You two are already divorced , and you're still calling her your wife ? Are you trying to take advantage of Suzy again ? Do you want me to sue you for harassment , Maxwell ? " Franco was stunned , his face flushing a shade of red I'd never seen before . He stood there , speechless . I wasn't about to waste any more of my time on him . I opened the car door and slid inside . Right there , Franco rushed over in desperation . " Suzy , I'm giving you one last chance , " he said . " If you still love me , get out of the car and come back home with me . I'll give you everything you want : money , time , freedom , and even love . If that's what you want , you can have it all . " Chapter 23