Ashley had had enough. "Is that not ridiculous?" she shot back.
"Who am I, anyway? I'm the notorious 'wicked ex-wife,' banished abroad by you, accused of having a twisted mind. Gabriel, I'm not some disposable thing you can talk about however you want. Your opinions don't define me. Your actions have always made it clear that you think I'm unworthy, and I still believe that's true."
Her voice wavered, and her eyes were filled with involuntary tears. She had told herself not to care, but he kept provoking her, dredging up that painful past."
"Why is it that I believed your judgment, but now you don't?" she added.
"Enough! Stop!" Gabriel suddenly cut her off, his tone sharp as he caught the distressed look in her eyes, his expression a mix of anger and a hint of sympathy. "Enough, don't
