After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage
Chapter 46

After leaving the police station, Mandy slumped into the passenger seat, still sniffling with puffy red eyes.

I was beyond arguing at this point and was about to start the car when she grabbed my arm with surprising force.

Ignoring me completely, she turned to Luke and whimpered, "Luke, I'm scared. You know I hate riding with anyone else driving."

Her face was blotchy from crying, the perfect picture of helplessness.

I wrenched my arm free. "Then get out."

The atmosphere in the car instantly turned arctic.

Mandy burst into theatrical sobs, tears streaming down her face.

From the backseat, Luke's voice cut through the air like ice. "Seriously, Yvonne? Would it kill you to show some compassion? You know about her trauma with her brother. Have a heart, for once."

"Fine, I'll drive," he snapped, yanking my door open so forcefully that the winter air rushed in.

I shivered involuntarily.

I remained seated, meeting his gaze in silent defiance.

Luke, usually so level-headed, was now unrecognizable. He roughly unbuckled

my seatbelt and practically dragged me out of the car.

I stumbled, barely catching myself on one knee before hitting the ground.

He slid into the driver's seat without so much as a glance in my direction, then gently stroked Mandy's hair.

"Stop crying. I'll take you home first."

"You're always so good to me, Luke," she purred, shooting me a triumphant look.

Luke called over his shoulder,

grown woman, figure it out

I'll be home after out

I drop

off." t

They drove away, leaving me standing there in disbelief.

Through the rear window, I watched as Mandy leaned over to plant a kiss on Luke's cheek.

a klas

My phone vibrated, and I fumbled to answer it with numb fingers.

"Yvonne, have you seen Gavin's photos?"

Gavin - my arranged marriage prospect. The man my family had chosen.

Tall, striking, well-built, with the kind of presence that commanded attention.

My mother's voice radiated relief. "Finally, you're being sensible. Your father isn't getting any younger, and he's been so disappointed since you ran away. It's good you're coming home at last."

I stared at the moths circling the streetlight, memories flooding back unbidden.

I'd fled home years ago to escape precisely this kind of life.

Meeting Luke had felt like divine intervention.

Seven years together. I'd supported him while he built his business empire.

Because he always said "the timing isn't right," I'd endured multiple abortions.

I'd been so foolishly convinced his love was enough.

But now? I couldn't stomach even the smallest betrayal.