“Lionel Rinehart, thank you. I love you with everything I’ve got.” He pulled me close, wrapped me up in his arms. “Okay.” Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Aunt Sophia dabbing at her tears, tucked in Uncle Arthur’s arms, smiling. In year three, we had a baby girl. She was perfect. I’ll … Read more
Chapter 12 Peter stared at our wedding photo–the only thing still standing–and whispered, “Yuna, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait right here. When you come back, I’ll be here.” *** Lionel’s voice stayed steady. Lionel spoke calmly. by men hicho “Peter died on that floor. Staring at your photo. By the time his guys broke … Read more
“Hello, is this Mrs. Cooke? Peter Cooke’s been in a serious car accident. We need you to come in as soon as possible.” I froze. That’s when it hit–Peter was hurt. They kept pressing, but I cut in. “I’m not his wife. You’ll need to contact his family.” There was a pause. Then the voice … Read more
Chapter 11 Peter knew I was dodging his calls, so he blew up my phone with texts. Like we were back in the honeymoon phase or something— nonstop chatter. Then he got desperate. Started showing up at Aunt Sophia’s with gifts, swearing he’d changed, begging her and Uncle Arthur to talk me out of the … Read more
I shut him down. “You’ve been around long enough to know better. Tricked by a young girl? Seriously? Even if she threw herself you knew what was up. You let it happen.” at you, He opened his mouth, but I shot him a look that stopped him cold. “If you at least owned up to … Read more
Chapter 10 I looked up–and there he was. Peter. Just standing there, staring. He looked rough. Way thinner, face sunken, eyes bloodshot, lips all chapped and pale. And yeah, the jealousy in his eyes? Blazing. “Yuna, how could you fall for someone else so fast?” Like I was the cheater. Lionel stepped in, ready to … Read more
I shook my head, face burning. The crickets and his breath were louder than my thoughts. “That summer I visited Rivera with your aunt–you said lawyers in dramas looked cool and confident. Said that was your type.” He brushed my earlobe, barely a touch. “So I figured… maybe if I became one, you’d like me … Read more
Chapter 9 Lionel handed me a lobster. “Try it. It’s our chef’s specialty.” I blushed. “Thanks.” The Rineharts had that cozy, wholesome vibe–like, instant comfort. By dessert, I actually felt… okay. After dinner, Aunt Sophia gave me a little shove toward the patio. “Yuna.” Lionel’s voice–low, smooth–floated over from behind me. He was standing in … Read more
If she’d taken anything–just one thing–it would’ve meant she still cared, even a little. But she left it all behind. Came in with love, walked out with nothing. No love. No hate. Just… gone. The welcome dinner at Aunt Sophia’s place was more of a chill family hang with the Rineharts. They were basically Hampsburg … Read more
Chapter 8 Peter lunged, hand clamping around her neck. “You? You think you’re even in her league?” Cindy hit the floor, realization sinking in–he knew. He knew she went to Yuna. Desperate, she played her last card. Tears spilled as she looked up at him, voice trembling. “But we have a baby. Yuna’s gone, and … Read more