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!"

two simple words "ex-husband"-hit Alistair like a physical blow. His jaw tightened stubbornly. "I

San Francisco, Alistair had been thinking about everything— their marriage, their relationship.A

he'd ever love, that he'd sacrifice anything for

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

he could never love anyone again. But learning Elaine was leaving had made him panic. Made him

feelings, seeing another man ask Elaine out—and watching her

He loved Elaine.

courage he possessed, hoping to take her somewhere private and find

just pulled her hand free and stepped

were nothing like the warm gaze she'd given Jack

nothing left to talk about,

him was so intense

her, but suddenly found Atticus standing