“You didn’t think they were a gift?” he repeated, his voice cold, but with a hint of disbelief. “What did you think they were, then?”

“I thought they were clothes to wear while I was recovering. Clothes to keep up appearances, and that… and that didn’t… suit me.”

The last words came out in a lower tone as she looked away from him. She used the words John had spoken on their wedding day.

John also remembered and understood. He had indeed been cruel, but his pride got the better of him, so he sai