Chapter 23
Then Zina caught sight of two press pass–wearing types nearby. The doubt she’d pushed down rose again.
“That’s her! She’s my runaway wife!” David suddenly yelled, spittle flying and carrying a distinct, unpleasant odor.
Zina instinctively took a few steps back, her eyes wary on the group closing in. The commotion drew attention, and before long, the previously empty spot was packed tight with curious onlookers.
“Do I know you?” Zina scowled, edging away from David. Her eyes kept scanning the crowd, looking for a quick escape
route.
Zina couldn’t tell if they were closing in on purpose, but the circle tightened like a noose, leaving her no room to bolt. And just as she scanned the crowd, David whipped out a photo and dangled it right in the air for everyone to see.
Take a good look, folks!” David bellowed, “Isn’t this woman the spitting image of her? She looks down on my wallet, thinks I couldn’t provide, so she sneaks around messing with other guys. Who do you think you are?”
His voice rose with every word, face turning beet red like a boiled lobster.
“I don’t know you at all.” Zina wasn’t having it and just wanted out of this mess.
These people were dead set on sticking around. With no way out and held back from throwing down with them, Zina was forced to a halt.
But that halt gave Zina a clear view of the photo. It was her, alright, snapped in a dress before she went to prison.
“See? Now get your butt home. I’m gonna make damn sure you learn who wears the pants in this family.” David’s smug grin was practically plastered across his face.
David was practically salivating at the sight of Zina’s striking face. ‘Guess that family didn’t blow smoke. he thought, ‘Who would’ve thought she’d be this easy on the eyes?‘
“Final warning.” Zina snapped, “I don’t know you at all. Back off, all of you, or I’m calling the police.”
But David only barked a harsh laugh, even more brazen now. “Your parents already gave me their blessing to marry you. Go ahead, dial away! Do you think they’ll sort out a husband and wife?”
Zina knew David was telling it straight. In that instant, the ugly truth about the Sinclair family flashed before her eyes. This time, they’d crossed a line.
Zina clenched her fists, ready to storm off.
Suddenly, a voice rang out, “What’s going on here?”
It was a team of security guards from the community. But before they could get close, David jumped in. He flung the photos at the guards and then shot the reporters a look.
Catching the cue, the reporters quickly set up and got their cameras rolling.
David cried out, “Talk about hard luck! I’m just a guy from the sticks, not used to your big city ways. But you can’t do this to me. Are you telling me I can’t even take my own wife away?
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Chapter 23
“She’s just mad at me, that’s why she says she doesn’t know me. But I know she has a birthmark in a very private place- inner thigh. That’s not something she’d just tell anyone.
“If you don’t believe me, have her show you the birthmark.”
In an instant, every single pair of eyes in the crowd moved toward Zina. Right then, the cameras zoomed in hungrily.
Zina clenched her jaw and instinctively drew her arms in close, edging back.
Just then, the security guard cut in, “Look, young lady, if you two really are husband and wife, stop making a scene and head home now. You don’t want to keep this up around here, especially near the hospital.”
David flashed a smug grin and reached for Zina’s hand. “Honey, be a good girl now. Let’s head home.”
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