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.

constant chatter and camera flashes created a dizzying atmosphere. As I tried to retreat, Gavin stepped in

genuine - perhaps in

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

I saw him

haggard, while Mandy sparkled in her dress,

back," Luke said

turned to leave, too

on my wrist

"Let go!"

it take to get you back?" His eyes were wild,

almost laughed, but

voice floated over. "I'm so sorry, Yvonne. This is all my fault. Please forgive Luke, he loves you." Her theatrical tears

with the cold

you saying? Nine years together -

right? I can be richer than

was almost comical. "When you left me alone through those abortions, while vacationing with Mandy - what did those nine years mean