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 retreat, Gavin stepped in front, shielding

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

by strangers, I stayed sober but feigned tipsiness to escape outside. The clouds had dispersed, leaving a cold

the moonlight, I saw him approaching. Luke,

in her dress, clutching his arm like a

back," Luke

turned to leave,

grip on my wrist

"Let go!"

get you back?" His

laughed, but even smiling felt

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

distant party's warmth contrasted sharply with the cold night. "Luke," I sighed, "we can't

are you saying? Nine years together - what

I can be

abortions, while vacationing with Mandy - what did