The delayed sting on Diana’s cheek finally set in. Taking a deep breath, she looked at Vincent’s cold face and bitterly asked, “And what exactly did I say?”
When he shoved the so-called “evidence” in front of her, she let out a cold laugh.
She stared into his raging, stormy eyes and mockingly said, “I’ll never be able to say those filthy, vulgar words. Plus, anyone can send an anonymous text.”
“If it wasn’t you, who else could it be?” Vincent’s rage intensified.
Seeing that Diana was still trying to defend herself, he stepped forward and gripped her shoulders. Her face paled at the pain.
His hands trembled with anger as he hissed, “Diana, I’ve given you the title of Mrs. Hendrix. No one’s fighting you for that identity.
“Gabby is pure and kind, and she’s always seen you as an elder sister. Do you have any idea how much your words hurt her?” He radiated a chilling coldness, and his eyes gleamed with such rage as if he wanted to devour her whole.
Diana’s eyes reddened. The sting on her cheek could never compare to the ache in her heart.
“We grew up together. Don’t you know what kind of person I am? This is clearly a setup,” she replied.
But people always chose the easy target, and Diana had always been the softest.
For a moment, Vincent noticed the pain and grievance in her eyes and paused. But his fury returned before reason could take hold.
“Who would frame you? At least come up with a better lie, Diana. Gabby doesn’t know anyone else in Heyton, and she’s only close to you.” His expression was terrifyingly cool.
He didn’t trust her at all.
A wave of coldness surged through Diana’s chest and spread through her limbs. Bitterness filled her mouth as she stared at Vincent in disbelief.
So, he saw her as a scheming, petty woman who would go to any lengths out of jealousy. He wouldn’t even listen to her explanation.
Since he was that resolute, there was no need for her to say another word.
“Suit yourself.” He slammed the door shut and left. Gabriella was still in the hospital, and he was going to see her.
It wasn’t until Vincent had left that Diana collapsed onto the ground, finally letting out all the pain she had been repressing for years. Her hands covered her face as she sobbed.
Maria stood at a loss for what to do as she watched Diana cry uncontrollably.
The night before, Gabriella had received a string of vicious insults via text, allegedly from “Mrs. Hendrix”. The context was disgusting and filled with obscene slurs.
The shock and humiliation had pushed Gabriella over the edge. She had attempted to end her life by slitting her wrists, and now, she was still lying in the hospital.
Diana was awash with a wave of helplessness. Even if they weren’t husband and wife in the truest sense, she had known Vincent for years. However, that bond wasn’t enough to stand up to a poorly fabricated setup.
Just as she thought he wouldn’t return that day, Vincent rushed back at 4:30 pm.
His eyes were full of remorse as he called out, “Diana! I’m sorry for misunderstanding you. It was a stunt pulled by the paparazzi who tried to stir up drama.”
In the end, their years of marriage had compelled him to investigate. As for Gabriella, she hadn’t been foolish enough to use her true identity. Details of those texts didn’t trace back to her at all.
Now, the appearance of some scapegoat quickly convinced Vincent that Gabriella had nothing to do with the incident.
Rumors of a falling-out between them had been brewing. Gossip reporters were constantly prying and itching to expose any cracks in their marriage.
With the Hendrix family’s status, such juicy gossip was guaranteed to make explosive headlines.
Diana said nothing and stared at him expressionlessly. Her fair skin still bore the red mark from the slap that morning.
She didn’t cry, shout, or accuse. She didn’t even seem hurt anymore.
Noticing her reaction, Vincent panicked. He rushed over and pulled her into his arms.
His eyes brimmed with guilt and sorrow as he gently reached out to caress her cheek. “Does it still hurt?”
Diana subtly pushed him away and forced back her tears. Her voice choked as she murmured, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
And it would never hurt again.
