Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

R E D E E M I N G L O V E
from Pair-a-Dice. She never had any feelings for Michael other than feelings
of convenience. Not in the beginning and not in the end. She hasn’t got a
heart. Don’t be such a fool!”
Miriam’s eyes welled at his attack. She had seen her father get angry
many times, but he never lashed out against those who loved him. She
couldn’t keep silent. “You’re the one who never knew her, Paul. You never
even tried—”
“Don’t defend her to me! I knew her,” he said harshly. “I knew her better
than you or Michael. You both saw what she wanted you to see. I saw what
she really was.”
Miriam lifted her head. She wasn’t going to sit silent while he violated
her friend. “You saw Amanda as some vile creature that wasn’t even worthy
of your slightest courtesy.”
His face grew livid. “Are you reprimanding me for not falling under her
spell like the rest of you? In my own house?”
Miriam’s lips parted. He might as well have put a sword through her
heart. “Then it’s only your home now, even though we’re married?” she said
in a constricted voice. “I’m just a guest until you decide to cast me out. God
help me if I do anything wrong, if I prove to be fallible.”
Paul regretted his words before she even began speaking. “Miriam, I
didn’t—”
Her own anger was growing swiftly. “I suppose I’ve no right to my own
thoughts or beliefs if they’re contrary to your own. Is that it, Paul?” She
stood and pointed to the door. “If I want to speak my mind, I have to go
outside to do it. Or better yet, be sure I’m on the other side of your boundary
line?”
Guilt killed his remorse. Her words struck at his conscience, and he
lashed out again in defense. “You know that’s not what I meant!” When she
started to cry, he wilted. “Miriam, don’t,” he groaned.
“I don’t know what you mean anymore, Paul. You’re eaten up with bitterness.
You carry your hatred like a banner, waving it all the time. You
won’t say what it was Amanda did to you to make you hate her, so it makes
me wonder if you weren’t a party to it!” Paul could feel the heat coming up
into his face, his temper rising with it. He started to defend himself, but
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