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

Chapter 85

Gloria tried to brush off Elijah's patronizing "I'll take care of you forever" BS. Her focus was on getting that visa processed and getting the hell out of there. But Jenna? She had other ideas.

That morning, Jenna was suspiciously chipper, insisting they hit Rodeo Drive together. Minutes after sliding into the Mercedes G-Wagon, Gloria felt woozy. Then-lights out.

She came to tied up at some clifftop straight out of a crime drama, ocean roaring below. Nearby, Jenna was playing damsel in distress, bound in the same way- though something felt staged about the whole thing.

Gloria tried to speak through the duct tape, but only managed muffled sounds. Jenna caught her look and dropped the act with a smirk. "God, I didn't want to resort to this little kidnapping theatre. But after what Elijah promised you? Time to see who he really cares about."

Gloria's heart sank. Like that wasn't already crystal clear?

Right on cue, Elijah's Aston Martin screeched up, tires spraying gravel. He jumped out clutching two Gucci duffels. "Here's your damn money!" he snarled, throwing them forward. "Now let them go!"

Jenna's hired thug didn't flinch. "This isn't about cash, Mr. Phillips."

Elijah's face darkened. "What's your angle?"

The guy grabbed both women's shoulders, grinning like a B-movie villain. "Time to choose, rich boy. Daddy's friend's precious daughter or your smoking hot fiancée. Pick one to save-the other takes a scenic dive into shark territory. Tick tock."

He loosened the ropes, making them sway over the edge.

was auditioning for a horror film. "Baby, please! Don't let

move!" The panic in Elijah's

Game over.

relaxed, dropping her Oscar-worthy performance. She shot Elijah her best lovesick

calm. Something about that resignation made his stomach

process it, Jenna launched herself into

rope snapped. One

her whole. As the current dragged her down, Gloria fought against the pull, but her designer outfit felt like concrete. Her vision started

chair. His bloodshot eyes

until Gloria broke it. "Mr. Phillips, go check on your fiancée. She's probably having a meltdown without you."

her like she was speaking alien before finally

He'd gone full crazy rich boyfriend for

in from Paris filled the venue. Casual millions in Cartier and Hermès boxes piled in corners. Their #CoupleGoals photos

up the sky, the party peaked. Elijah had Jenna pressed close as they slow-danced, while a massive LED wall behind them played their greatest

crowd was eating up their perfect romance,

Gloria's teenage love letters and sketches of Elijah filled the display.

erupted in