“Sorry, I’m listening,” Gabrielle sobbed on the floor. The guilt had already begun sinking in. He shouldn’t have hit her. She was confused. And the damn phone rang again. They called all the time—like they had something important to say. He rubbed his eyes with his fists, trying to concentrate. If he only said the right words, Gabrielle would understand. She would see all he had done for her. He would have her undying gratitude. Her love. That was all he’d ever asked for, wasn’t it?
