After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage By Cassila K

Chapter 17

Alistair stormed forward, grabbing Elaine's arm and pulling her toward him. She stumbled, nearly losing her balance before Atticus Vaughn steadied her with a quick hand.

Realizing he'd almost made her fall, Alistair stopped walking but didn't release her arm, frustration flashing across his face.

Once she'd regained her footing, Elaine finally looked at him. Even seeing the apology in his eyes didn't soften her irritation one bit.

"And you are...?" Atticus finally asked, breaking the awkward tension.

Two answers came simultaneously:

"My ex-husband."

"Her husband!"

blow. His

their relationship.A marriage

ever love, that he'd sacrifice anything for her

their marriage was exactly a straightforward transaction. He provided money and status;

grown comfortable with that arrangement, convinced he could never love anyone again. But learning Elaine was leaving had made him panic. Made him anxious. Made him desperate

another man ask Elaine out—and watching her about

He loved Elaine.

of courage he possessed, hoping to take her somewhere private and find their way back

just pulled her hand free

him, her eyes were nothing like the warm gaze

to talk about,

spreading through him was so intense his

to reach her, but suddenly found Atticus