Chapter 9
On the final day, Arlene tore off the last page of her calendar
Her phone, tossed aside, suddenly vibrated
She glanced at the screen–a new photo from Rosalie, sent just minutes ago!!
In the picture was the pocket watch Arlene’s late grandmother had given her an heirloom she cherished”
The message read:
“Saw your watch at the Tuckers a few days ago and thought it looked nice, so I took in. I’m bored of it now. Come and get it if you want.“)
A surge of anger shot through Arlene. Without hesitation, she noted the address Rosalie had added at the end, grabbed her keys, and rushed out l
She parked near Skyline Arch Bridge:
Rosalie was waiting by the river, holding the watch high above her head with a mocking half smile on her lips
“Arlene, the real reason I asked you here today is to see, between you and me, who Emery cares about more.”
A pricking sense of dread crawled through Arlene’s chest.
But as the watched the pocket watch swing precariously in Rosalie’s hand, she pushed the thought away. She didn’t bother with Rosales games, nor waste time arguing. Striding forward, she reached out to gab the watch
Arlene’s cool indifference only made Rosalie angrier
She hated nothing more than that look on Arlene’s face–aloof, untouchable, as if nothing could ever shake her composure
Who did Arlene think she was? If it weren’t for Emery, she’d be nothing. What right did she have to act so superior?
Bitterness and jealousy surged inside Rosalle. With no warning, she hurled the pocket watch into the river.
The reckless move snapped something in Arlene. Staring at Rosalia’s defiant face, che finally lost control and slapped her hard across the cheek!!
Rosalie clutched her stinging face, about to lash back, but then–out of the comer of her eye–she spotted a sports car speeding toward them. Without thinking the shoved Arlene into the ver
Just as Emery jumped out of his cat Rosalie dove in after Arlene
The river was ico–cold and dark, pulling Arlene under from every side.
Desperately, she searched the murky water for the spot where the watch had fallen. Her fingers finally closed amound the heirloom, and lungs burning, she fought her way upward–only to feel Rosalie’s frantic grip dragging her down.!!
Her strength was failing. Her mind grow hazy, the world fading at the edges.!!
Then, just as the two of them began to sink, there was a splash overhead X
Emery had jumped in.
Through the blur of fading consciousness, Arlene’s eyes fluttered open.
She saw him–without a moment’s hesitation–swimming straight for Rosalie
She watched as he pulled Rosalie to the surface, camed her to the shore, and cradled her in his arms, calling her name over and over!
Not once did he look back at Alene
Tears slipped down Arlene’s checks as she drifted deeper into the dark. But with the last of her strength, she kicked upward, breaking through the surface at last Afternoon sunlight fell across her drenched body
Gasping for breath, she crawled onto the grass and struggled to her feet!
On the verbank, Emery was giving Rosale CPR Arlene tightened her grip on the pocket watch and walked slowly toward the road.
As she passed by. Emery finally seemed to remember her. “Arlene, you know how to swim, so I got Rosalie out first. Are you all night?“% She paused, just for a second. Tim fine’s
When Rosalie’s eyelids fluttered open, Emery let out a shaky breath and hurried to Arlene’s side, taking her hand. “Arlene, let me take you home=”
He didn’t get the chance to finish. Behind them, Rosalie’s voice trembling and tearful, called out, “Emery. my head hurts”
Emery hesitated, tom for just a moment. Arlene’s voice came out hoarse, “Go look after her I don’t need you”
He said quickly, “Til get her to the hospital and come right back for you.”
Out of his line of sight, Arlene shook her head, eyes red.
What she meant was: from this moment on, he never needed to come back!
Because as of today, they were no longer husband and wife. Their story was over!
Emery–the seven years of pain were finally behind them.
I’m letting go now!
Just as you wished, I step aside so you can run to someone else!
With that, she staggered to the roadside, opened her car door, and climbed inside
For reasons he couldn’t explain, watching her retreating figure filled Emery with panic
He called after her instinctively, but she didn’t look back 1
He could only watch as her car disappeared down the road
When she arrived home, the butler–having heard the news in advance–was waiting with a cup of ginger tea and an entire set of diamond jewelry
“Madam, Mr. Emery asked me to prepare these for you. He said he’d be back tonight to have dinner with you
Dinner? After the divorce?
She shook her head, said nothing, and went upstairs to change and pack her last suitcase.
When she came back down bags in hand, the butler stared at her in shock. Her voice was rough as she said, “When Emery comes home, remind him to take a good look at the papers we signed a month ago.“%
Tell him–he’s been written out of my script for good.
With that, she walked out, slipped her wedding ring from her finger and tossed it in the trash by the door. Then she climbed into her car
The dark purple sports car sped south, vanishing into the night!
