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

Chapter 24

Elaine stared at the text message lighting up her phone: [Elaine, we know our son screwed up royally and broke your heart. But he's in a really bad way right now. Could you please come see him? Just once. Please.]

No name, but she instantly knew who it was from: Alistair's parents.

The Chases and Faerwyns used to be country club buddies until everything went south three years ago. When Faerwyn Industries was circling the drain, Alistair had swooped in with his marriage-for-bailout deal, throwing millions at her family's company. His parents had written it off as their son's worst investment ever.

Then when Alistair kept his playboy routine going despite having a wife, his parents embarrassed by their son's tabloid exploits, her father disgusted by how they all treated his daughter.

This text was the first time they'd reached out since the divorce papers were signed.

But what did "really bad way" actually mean?

those words way longer

decked out in holiday lights and decorations as Elaine drove to the address they'd sent.

she could knock, the door

there holding a basin of water, then just stepped aside without a word.Elaine walked in. The figure in the bed was half-asleep but shifted at the sound

he mumbled,

foggy eyes registered who was actually standing there,

fumbling with his blanket like he couldn't decide whether to lie there or try to sit up. Then his face fell as he realized she must have seen

not—she just-I've tried to get rid of her," he stammered. "She keeps showing up. I swear to God I'm

raised hand and dropped into a chair, looking completely

life is officially not my problem anymore. I'm only here because your parents guilt-tripped me into coming. Said you were in