My Revenge: His Empire Crumbles

"Unreasonable?" I choked out, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. The metallic taste of the stamp still coated my tongue, a constant reminder of the humiliation. "You want me to be reasonable after this? After she marked me, after you defended her?"

Josiah sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, let's just clean you up. It's just a silly stamp." He reached out, his fingers brushing my cheek.

His touch, once a comfort, now felt like a violation. I flinched, pulling away. The red dye, instead of fading, seemed to spread, smearing across my skin, making the grotesque words even more prominent. I imagined myself in a funhouse mirror, a distorted reflection of my former self, a walking billboard for betrayal.

Karma, still hovering near the door, let out a snicker she quickly tried to mask with a cough. "Josiah, darling," she purred, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness, "don't forget that charity gala tonight. They're expecting you. And me, of course."

Josiah's attention snapped instantly from me to her. His eyes lit up, the annoyance fading, replaced by a glint of excitement. "Right! The gala. I almost forgot." He turned to me, his expression softening slightly, a practiced veneer of concern. "Avery, you should just go home and rest. I'll handle this. We can talk later, okay? When you've calmed down."

"Calmed down?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You want me to calm down? After everything?"

He waved a dismissive hand. "Yes, calm down. You're making a spectacle. Go home. We'll discuss this when you're thinking clearly."

He took Karma's hand, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that burned my soul. She shot me a smug, triumphant look over her shoulder as they walked towards the exit.

"Don't worry, Avery," Karma's voice, sickly sweet, drifted back to me. "I'll take good care of your husband tonight. He needs someone to appreciate him."

They disappeared through the door, leaving me standing alone in the sterile, silent office. My home. My husband. Gone.

"You'll regret this, Josiah!" I screamed, my voice raw, echoing in the empty room. "You'll regret everything!"

A moment later, Josiah's head poked back in, his face etched with a mix of exasperation and pity. "Avery, please. Stop this. You're just making things harder for yourself." He sighed. "I'll call you later, okay? Just... try to be reasonable." And then he was gone again, the door clicking shut behind him, sealing me in.

Through the closed door, I heard Karma's voice, hushed and trembling. "Josiah, she's so angry. I'm scared. What if she tries to hurt me again?"

Josiah's response was a low rumble, laced with reassurance. "Don't worry, Karma. I won't let her touch you. You're safe with me."

His words, intended for her, sliced through me like a thousand knives. He was protecting her. From me. His wife.

As I slowly made my way out of the office, Brenda, the secretary, looked up, her expression a mix of sympathy and fear. "Mrs. Chase, are you... are you okay?"

I managed a weak smile. "I'll be fine, Brenda. Thank you."

I walked past her, my head held high, though my heart was shattering into a million pieces.

I reached my car, my hands shaking as I fumbled with the keys. I stared at my reflection in the rearview mirror. The red stamp stared back, a badge of shame. I would not forget this. I would not forgive this.

I pulled out my phone, my fingers flying across the screen. "Retrieve the dress Josiah commissioned for me. The couture one. And I need a novelty stamp. 'USDA PRIME.' Make it unique. And permanent."