living a miserable life without even realizing it.
I approached Wayne.
He averted his gaze. “Mel, you-”
“Wayne, you don’t actually love me, do you?” I asked.
I might have been someone who got swept up in love, but still, I needed to know how much the man I thought I would be with forever truly cared about me.
The love between Kyle and Lucy was clear, and it made whatever Wayne and I had seem like nothing in comparison.
Wayne clearly wasn’t ready for a question like that. He glanced around nervously at the Coopers, swallowed hard, and said, “Of course, I love you, Mel. I do. I haven’t forgotten our vows. It’s just that today… I was just…‘
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I let out a bitter laugh. “Lies.”
I glanced at Kyle. He and Wayne had a striking resemblance, but their personalities couldn’t have been more different. I’d heard Kyle was only three years older than Wayne.
“I’m not blind, Wayne. The way Kyle loves Lucy–that’s what love is supposed to be. After everything that has happened today, do you honestly think things can go back to how they were?” I asked.
“But don’t you think you’re partly at fault here, too? Emily asked for just one dish, and you couldn’t even make it for her,” Wayne muttered. “Have you ever thought of my family as your own? Is this how cold you are at home, too?”
I wiped my tears away. “You’re wrong, Wayne. My family treats me like a queen. I’m the one who’s pampered there.”
Wayne seemed ready to continue the argument but fell silent when he noticed what I was doing. I slid the ring off my left hand and gave a bitter laugh. Then, I tossed it in front of him onto the floor.
“Melanie Stone, are you really doing this? We just got married!” Wayne yelled.
I grabbed my coat, hat, scarf, and bag before I walked to the door, ignoring his disbelieving stare.
“Wayne, bring the marriage certificate and your ID tomorrow. Meet me in front of the courthouse. We’re getting a divorce,” I said with calm determination.
As I walked out, Lucy and Kyle followed me. The door was still open, and I could hear Gloria crying inside, Jamenting how this was a disaster for their family, and how it was the worst thing that could have happened.
Lucy linked her arm through mine and smiled warmly. “Well go with you, Melanie.
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 9
I was so overwhelmed that all I could do was nod.
We climbed into the car, and she joined me in the backseat. She unscrewed a bottle of water and handed it to me. “Are you sure about this?” she asked.
I took a small sip before replying, “If I still hadn’t figured things out after everything, it would mean I’d wasted all your efforts to protect me.”
She let out a sigh. “It doesn’t bother me.”
“Why did you decide to help me, Lucy? I know you didn’t want to get involved at first.”
Lucy flashed a small smile and tapped the front seat. Kyle chuckled as he drove.
I was surprised that the disorder at the Cooper residence had no impact on them. In fact, it was like they were in better spirits once we’d left.
Today’s Bonus Offer
