Chapter 15
Watching the way the two of them interacted–so much more intimate than mere friends–Emery felt a wave of revulsion rise inside him
He was just about to demand who this other man was when he heard Arlene’s words, throwing his thoughts into complete chans
was my fault, Arlene Please, forgive me, won’t you? Give me one more chance, I promise I never mess up again. From now on, you’ll be the only one in my heart. | sweet lil never stray again“.
Empty promises. Arlene had heard a version of them five years ago.
Back when Emery was courting het, held made the same pledges
And look how that turned out!
So hearing him recite them again, right to her face, all Arlene could feel was bitter amusement
“Why on earth do you think I’d give up my newfound freedom just to walk back into a miserable marriage with you? What makes you believe I’d ever give a second chance to a man who lies and breaks his word? I’m not Saint Mary, and this isn’t a recycling center for trash. You’re knocking on the wrong door!
With every word, Emery’s face drained of color until he was deathly pale
He couldn’t understand how things had gone so wrong
His mind was a jumble of regret and terror, both gnawing away at what little composure he had left!!!
He wanted desperately to explain everything, but the memory of his own actions left him speechless!
The tension settled heavy in the room,
No one knew how long the silence lasted, until a frantic voice called out from the front door”
Emory
Rosal, still weak from illness, hurried over, breathless, and clung to Emery’s arm.
Arlene glanced once at their intertwined hands. As if waking from a dream, Emery jerked away without a second thought.
y from Rosalie as if she w
were poisonous, shoving her to the floor
Rosalie hadn’t expected to embarrass herself so thoroughly in front of Arlene.
She looked up, furious and humiliated, only to meet Fiery’s cold, indifferent gaze–and the flicker of a smile on Arlene’s lips.
She took that smile as mockery, stoking her rage, and immediately launched into her act
“Emery, what are you doing? Did your ex say something to you again? You promised last time you wouldn’t just listen to her side! You said she’s got a bad temper and likes to cause drama, and you told me to be patient with her. I’ve done everything you ”
“Enough”
Rosalie’s syrupy complaints barely made it halfway before Emery’s icy glare silenced her completely
Watching their performance, Arlene couldn’t help but interject, her tone laced with dark humor
“We’re divorced now, after all. Let her keep talking–I’m actually curious to see what kind of two–faced fraud I wasted five years loving
Einery’s eyes widened in panic. He scrambled to explain himself, but Rosalie cut him off with a gasp.
You’re divorced?“?
Arlene nodded with an easy, unconcerned smile, gazing down at the woman sprawled on the floor!
Yes. And I never get back together with him, Congratulations, Rosalie–he’s all yours now”
Each word stabbed straight into Emery’s heart!
He trembled uncontrollably, staring at ein utter despair but she only met him with a calm, liberated smile
That smile so free, so at peace–hurt him more than anything she’d said!
He couldn’t bear to face her couldn’t stand to hear another word. With the evening shadows gathering, Emery stumbled out the door, desperate to escape the pain he’d brought on himself…
