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

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

feigned tipsiness to escape outside. The clouds

saw

in her dress, clutching his arm like

back," Luke

to leave, too

on my wrist made

"Let go!"

take to get you back?"

but even smiling felt

"I'm so sorry, Yvonne. This is 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 go

are you saying? Nine years together -

money, right? I can be richer than

desperation was almost comical. "When you left me alone through those abortions, while vacationing with Mandy -