My Swiss Knife Her Scar His Wedding Day Chapter 07

What did he hear?

That Paige had never lied. Ariana’s mother was a real mistress. Murderous. She killed the first wife. And the “childhood suffering” Ariana fed him was just bait to hook his sympathy.

And he he sent Paige, the one seeking justice, to prison for that woman.

He even went to her deadbeat father himself and begged him to cut her out of the will.

His worst fear came true.

He destroyed Paige’s life. Not her. Him.

Guilt. Grief. Acid regret. They flooded him and crushed his perfect posture.

“No, baby, let me explain!” Ariana panicked. “I was just trying to provoke her! I was lying! Grant, I love you

so much. You came home today looking lost, and I was terrified you and Paige would get back together.”

“I had to act mean. I had to scare her away from you.”

“Grant, we’ve been married seven years. You know who I really am. You know how hard it was for me to

act like the bad guy.”

“And come on. That woman scarred my face. Don’t I have a right to hate her?”

She was sobbing, shaking, makeup ruined. Even the female officer looked uncertain.

Then steady footsteps.

A tall, gentle-faced man walked in.

Can you tell me where she is?”

“Officers, I got a call that my wife, Paige Hayes, was brought in.

Grant’s eyes went wide. “Derek? You’re the owner of Greatway Home Services… All our maids and

butlers came through you…”

Derek smiled politely.

But anyone could see the current underneath.

He came to me first, took my bag, checked me over for injuries, and only then turned to the police.

“Officers, I’m Derek Hayes. Here’s my card. I run Greatway Home Services, a national chain. Last year, Mr. Bennett and his wife moved to this city and hired their household staff through our agency.”

“The employees heard Ms. Mercer right here say all kinds of incriminating stuff-bragging to her mother about how they killed Mr. Collins’ first wife, how they drove Paige out of the family, how they slowly poisoned Mr. Collins over the years…”

“And on Paige’s assault case? They talked about it openly. Their original plan was to provoke Paige into

hitting Ariana-just a bruise or two-because they had connections to fake a serious injury report and send

Paige back to prison.”

“But Paige swung way harder than they thought. One cut, permanent scar. So they got exactly what they

deserved.”

He showed video and audio evidence. Calm. Like a work report.

Ariana was gray-faced, but her chin stayed up.

“Grant,” she begged, tears ruining her expensive makeup, “my mother made me do those things. She’s

my mother. I couldn’t refuse. And about Paige… I just love you so much. I’d do anything to be near you. Even bring you tea. I swear my heart is real.”

“You can doubt my reasons, but please don’t doubt my love.”

Grant looked lost. Hollow. He stared at her outstretched hand. Tears swam in his eyes.

He couldn’t let go of Ariana. Everyone saw it.

And Ariana knew it. She was holding onto his feelings like her last lifeline.

If Grant didn’t abandon her, none of the crimes would matter.

Then Derek pulled out another video.

“Not that real, Ms. Bennett.”