Chapter 22.

Tarquin got downstairs and wondered why he felt a sudden emotion when she cried and stood up for herself.

It was quite insolent of her to talk back but he suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Guilt for treating her badly and bringing Emma to the house. She was right about one thing, he forced her into the marriage and the least he could do was respect her.

Tarquin halted his steps, closed his eyes a little, and pondered on more of her words.

Was he being too cruel to her? Was he acting out of proportion and becoming more like a monster?

Those questions had never crossed his mind before but her reaction touched a part of him that had always been left frigid for a long time.

He sighed and snapped his eyes open. He went downstairs and met with Emma and Morgan.

"Did you teach her a lesson?" Morgan asked spitefully. She was waiting for more screams and loud tears but then it suddenly stopped.

She was happy when Tarquin went upstairs to teach Ivy a good lesson but seeing the calm expression