Chapter 6
Three days later. Luke and I went to the courthouse to finalize everything.
He looked like absolute shit–unshaven, bloodshot eyes.
Like he’d aged ten years overnight.[]
“Emma… we had such a happy family. Can you really bring yourself to destroy all of that?“|
“You’re the one who destroyed our happiness, not me. I never cheated. I never betrayed anyone.“[]
I looked at him calmly.
Not a trace of longing left in my eyes.
Walking out of that courthouse, I finally felt peace.
But Luke still wouldn’t let it go.
“Even though we’ve come to this, my love for you hasn’t changed. I’m going to win you back
“This separation is just so we can start fresh. Emma, I truly love you. Sixteen years together–you’re in my blood, in my bones. I can’t let you go.”
“Cut the dramatic bullshit. It’s too late for that.” I waved him off. “Here’s hoping we never see each other again.”
He went south, I went north.]
I just wanted to cut all ties with him completely.
This time, I wasn’t looking back
After the divorce was finalized, I threw myself into work]
My new book was selling well, so the publisher decided to organize a book tour.
We scheduled twelve cities.]]
The days ahead were hectic but fulfilling.
The first signing was at Moonlight Books in our city.
I knew the owner, Nathan.
He’d been a loyal reader for years.]
Even back when I was a nobody, he supported me.[]
When he heard about my book signing, he flew back from a business trip just to be there.
Running around like a volunteer, handling everything personally.
I teased him: “You own like a dozen bookstores now. Why are you still doing everything yourself?”
He smiled
“Only for your events do I handle things personally.”
I laughed, thinking he was just joking around.
Tons of readers showed up for the signing.
Most of them knew about my situation]
While I signed their books, I heard encouragement after encouragement.]
I realized I wasn’t alone in this.]
That feeling was incredibly comforting.
As the signing was winding down, Nathan texted me asking if I wanted to grab dinner.
[Care to honor me with dinner, famous author?]]]
I thought about it and agreed.]
But just as things were wrapping up, everything went to hell.
The line was almost empty, staff were cleaning up.
That’s when someone in a baseball cap walked up to my table.]
She put down a book, then pulled out a fucking knife![]
The blade gleamed in the light, nearly blinding me.]
My heart jumped into my throat.
It was Rachel Warren!]
“You fucking bitch! I’m living in hell while you’re thriving!”
“I’m going to kill you! Send you to hell with mell“]
Ever since being exposed as a homewrecker, Rachel Warren got fired and blacklisted from every school.
Even her own parents disowned her, saying they were ashamed to have raised such a daughter.]
As for Luke? He’d completely ghosted her.]
She was completely alone.
Feeling abandoned by the entire world, she’d focused all her hatred on me.
“This is all YOUR fault! You ruined my life! So let’s all die together!“]
The sharp blade sliced through the air. She moved so fast I couldn’t dodge.[]
In that split second, Nathan rushed over from behind me.
He grabbed the blade with his bare hands.[
His arm was instantly slashed open, blood pouring out.[]
But he didn’t even flinch, just called security to restrain Rachel Warren.
“Attempted murder–get her to the police station!”
was shaking uncontrollably, checking his wound frantically.
While he just grinned at me: “It’s nothing. Doesn’t hurt at all.”
