Chapter 18. Was I Deceived?

Iris’s POV

I landed hard on the couch, my back hitting the cushions with a force that caused a sharp pain at my back.

Thank God.

Thank God I hadn’t landed on my stomach.

My belly wasn’t too big yet, but it was obvious—I was pregnant. And if I had hit the chair the wrong way, he could have hurt my baby.

My hair had fallen over my face, strands sticking to my damp cheeks as I held the side of my face where his palm had landed.

“You love testing my patience, Iris! You do test my patience!” Oliver yelled at me.

I barely reacted.

What had I even expected?

This wasn’t the first time.

This wasn’t new.

Every time I stood up to him, he reminded me of what a coward he was—hiding behind his strength, behind his fists.

I had every right to ask about my gold necklace.

It wasn’t just about the money, though it had cost a fortune.

It meant something to me.

Something personal.

And yet, I had trust