Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 833

“Have an honest conversation with him—tell him what’s on your mind, what you’re unhappy about, and what you expect from him. Isn’t that the only way to actually solve your problems?”

“See? That’s exactly the attitude I’m talking about,” Kathleen scoffed, her lips curling in a sneer. “You always make everything sound so easy, as if any problem that comes your way just melts away. Like you’re the only smart one in the world, the only one who knows how to come up with solutions!”

“If I could get Teague to listen to me—why the hell would I be here talking to you?” She practically growled, her voice trembling with anger.

Madge’s tone turned serious. “You’re married. Don’t you think a married couple should talk things through, work together to figure things out?”

Kathleen let out a bitter laugh, her jaw clenched so tightly it seemed she might draw blood. “Yeah, well—he doesn’t even treat me like his wife!”

Madge paused, searching Kathleen’s face for a long moment before lifting her eyes again. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do what you’re asking.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Kathleen’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Are you still hoping to get back together with him or something?”

“First of all, your request is unreasonable. Why should I agree to it?”

“Second, the three of us—me, Teague, and you—we grew up together. If I did what you’re asking, what then? I’m not allowed to even speak to him anymore? Am I supposed to pretend we’re complete strangers? Does that sound realistic to you?”

“And finally, I have no obligation to promise you anything. Just like you have no right to tell me how to live my life.”

Kathleen’s voice shook with accusation. “So in the end, you still can’t let him go!”

Madge didn’t want to argue anymore. Some people, she realized, would never listen—no matter how many times you tried to explain, they’d cling to their own twisted logic, stuck in the same dead-end thoughts.

She turned to head inside.

Kathleen’s voice followed her, dark and low. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell your husband about your past with Teague? Think he’ll still treat you the same when he finds out?”

Madge actually smiled, turning back so Kathleen could see the amusement on her face. “Go ahead. Tell him. I really don’t mind.”

“You—You’re not afraid?”

“And why should I be? He already knows.”

Suddenly—

“Aberdeen! You shameless little—”

“Enough!” Madge’s voice was sharp, cutting through the air.

“Oh, what, hit a nerve? Too bad! I’m not finished! You’re nothing but trash! Who knows how many people had their way with you after you got kidnapped back then!”

Madge’s gaze turned to ice.

“A kidnapping, huh? So you do remember it was a kidnapping. But tell me—why?”

Kathleen froze, caught off guard.

Madge took a step closer, her voice low and dangerous. “Why did you do it, Kathleen? We were hiding—we could’ve gotten away safely. So why, at that exact moment, did you deliberately make noise and lead the kidnappers straight to us?”