Chapter 56: No Going Back
Lily stared at him, feeling a surge of courage she didn’t quite understand. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, a steady stream of emotion she could no longer hold back. As she watched Jason raise his hand, preparing to strike her, she flinched, bracing herself for the impact. But Jason stopped abruptly, his eyes widening in realization of what he was about to do. The violent motion was arrested, and his hand hovered in the air as his conscience caught up with him. Lily’s body trembled, caught between fear and a desperate hope for rescue.
"I’m sorry, Lily. I didn’t mean—" Jason began, his voice faltering, but he was cut off by a cold, commanding voice that sliced through the tense atmosphere.
"Let her go."
James stood at the doorway, his presence both reassuring and imposing. Lily turned to face him, her tears flowing uncontrollably now. She was overwhelmed with relief as she recognized James’s intent to protect her from the torment she was experiencing. The realization that James had come to her aid filled her with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow.
Jason’s attention shifted to James, his voice dripping with coldness and defiance. "Why should I?" he demanded, his grip on Lily’s hand tightening painfully. "She is mine—mine, mine, mine!" His voice escalated into a manic scream, each repetition of "mine" echoing with possessive anger.
James’s reaction was a chilling contrast. He laughed, the sound carrying a mix of intimidation and icy detachment. "You need therapy," he said, his voice unwavering.
Jason’s face twisted in anger. "It’s Lily who needs it," he snapped back. "You couldn’t even kiss your husband. Baby, I wonder why I was so understanding with you."
"Understanding?" Lily’s voice broke, her words more a mockery than a genuine inquiry. "Understanding, and you cheated on me just two months into our marriage."
Jason’s defense was weak, but he persisted. "I’m a man, Lily. Understand that."