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

Chapter 55

Luke's mother had been my neighbor when I first ran away from home, still learning to navigate adulthood. Her kindness and wisdom had been a lifeline.

She'd introduced me to Luke when he was eighteen - a rebellious youth who despised education.

We weren't close initially.

Everything changed when his mother fell terminally ill.

In her final days, she'd asked me to watch over Luke if possible. Like a fool, I'd promised.

So I entered Luke's life, somehow connecting with that angry young man.

The next nine years revolved around him. I thought I'd more than fulfilled my promise by then.

"Yvonne? What's on your mind? The guests are waiting." My mother's gentle squeeze brought me back to reality.

My father had thrown an extravagant celebration for my return and impending marriage into the Sterling family.

chandeliers made faces blur, while constant chatter and camera flashes created a dizzying atmosphere. As I tried to

offered a gentle smile. He seemed genuine - perhaps in another

to escape outside. The clouds had dispersed, leaving a cold moon and

the moonlight, I saw him

Mandy sparkled in her dress, clutching his arm

back," Luke

to leave,

grip on my

"Let go!"

you back?" His

but even smiling felt

my fault. Please forgive Luke, he loves you." Her theatrical

cold night. "Luke," I sighed,

are you saying? Nine years together - what were those to

want money, right? I can be richer than

those abortions, while vacationing with Mandy - what did those nine years