Chapter 24

Chapter 24

I had fooled myself into thinking that was what Bryant was, but deep down, I knew Emma

was aware of the history between Bryant and Margaret. Emma couldn’t find the words.

persuade me otherwise.

When I zipped up the last of my suitcases, a car engine finally broke the silence in the yard.

Bryant was back. Perhaps Emma had said something to him as he stormed up the stairs, his gaze landing on the line of suitcases before settling on my forehead, his voice surprisingly hoarse. “What happened to your forehead?”

I let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Nothing. Just had an accident while you were out on your date.”

His usually impassive eyes flickered with surprise.

Standing by the bed, I clenched my hands. “Bryant, we need to…”

“We need to get a divorce, I said silently.

I had made up my mind, knowing there was no turning back. But seeing the man I’d loved- for seven years, my throat closed up, making it hard to utter those words.

Was it him I was clinging to, or just the passionate version of myself when I was in love with him?

“Jane!” Bryant’s sharp call cut through my words. He closed the distance in a few strides and wrapped his arms around me. “This is your home. Where do you think you’re going with all these suitcases?”

“Don’t touch me!” I was hit by a mix of woodsy cologne and women’s perfume, making my stomach churn, “Let me go, Bryant!”

“I won’t.” His grip was firm, rendering my struggles futile.

A sense of helplessness washed over me. I took a deep breath. “Why bother? I’m willing to step aside for you two. Just let me go, will you?”

He buried his head in the crook of my neck, his voice tight with tension. “Jane, I never thought about divorcing you.”

“Really?” I wanted to laugh but couldn’t. My emotions surged, and I shouted hysterically, “But I’ve had enough. I’m tired of living like this I don’t want a marriage that’s always being interfered with by another person!”

“It won’t happen again, I promise.” He held me so tightly yet seemed afraid of hurting me, loosening his grip just a bit.

“It won’t?” I seized the moment to push him away, looking at him with rage, “Remember?

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10:30

Chapter 24

You said the same thing a week ago. And I told you there wouldn’t be a next time.”

He probably thought I was speaking in the heat of the moment. He didn’t realize that more than anything, I was telling myself. If there was a next time, I couldn’t continue to fall deeper.

He closed his eyes briefly. “Margaret attempted suicide this morning and ended up in the hospital. I just wanted to check on her.”

wall

“I know.” I shrugged, trying to sound casual. “I know all about it. Her mother saved you and after her attempt, of course, you had to see her. You must have been a bit but couldn’t help but give in when she continued to make a scene. She told you to spend

upset the day with her, and she wouldn’t bother you again.”

I continued under Bryant’s inscrutable gaze, “You probably didn’t believe her, but you indulged her anyway. Bryant, only you know why. I can’t guess. Whatever the reason, I’m tired of being caught in the middle. Bryant, let’s get a divorce.” As those words fell, the air seemed to freeze.

Bryant’s towering frame stiffened, his eyes fixed on me like a hawk.

After a moment, a mocking tone replaced the warmth in his voice. “Is it because he’s back?”

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