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!"

physical blow. His jaw tightened stubbornly. "I never agreed to

Francisco, Alistair had been thinking about everything— their marriage, their relationship.A marriage that had begun as a business arrangement. A relationship

be the only woman he'd ever love, that he'd sacrifice anything for her memory. Until Vivian's accusation had forced him to face the

was exactly a straightforward transaction. He provided money and status; she helped him deal

three years, he'd grown comfortable with that arrangement, convinced he could never love anyone again. But learning Elaine was leaving had

still been uncertain about his feelings, seeing another man ask Elaine

He loved Elaine.

talk? Please?" He stood before her, having mustered every ounce of courage he possessed,

just pulled her hand free

looked up at him, her eyes were nothing like the warm

to talk about,

pain spreading through him was so intense his eyes began

stepped forward, determined to reach her, but suddenly found Atticus standing