Chapter 42

Zane had married me only out of obligation. Yet Dad still refused to believe it. He turned to Zane and said, "How could that be? How could you not like Ari? You used to be so obedient to her. It must be this vixen who seduced you…" "Dad! Enough, really enough!" I pleaded, trying to stop him from speaking further. But Dad ignored me completely. He looked at me with frustration and said, "You're so passive and unassertive that you allowed these vixens to take advantage of you. I'm here now, and I'll take charge." With that, he rolled up his sleeves, preparing to confront Callie. I was startled and quickly tried to hold him back, but it was too late. Just as his hand was about to slap Callie, Zane moved swiftly. He grabbed Dad's wrist. Callie clung to him, and tears welled up in her eyes. She asked, "Zay, who are these people? Why are they trying to hit me?" "It's fine," Zane said, protecting her behind him. He looked at Dad with a cold expression. "Mr. Tarbor, you're on my turf.