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.

she was auditioning for a horror film.

in Elijah's voice said it

Game over.

smile widened. Jenna visibly relaxed, dropping her Oscar-worthy performance. She shot Elijah her best lovesick

waterworks, hysteria-instead, she looked eerily calm. Something about

launched herself into his arms, magically free.

One second she was

current dragged her down, Gloria fought against the pull, but her designer outfit felt

in a chair. His bloodshot eyes and five o'clock shadow screamed he'd been there for days. But she was so done

Phillips, go check on your fiancée. She's

like she was speaking alien before finally

to be Jenna's birthday. And Elijah? He'd gone full crazy rich boyfriend for their first celebration

roses flown in from Paris filled the venue. Casual millions in Cartier and Hermès boxes piled in corners. Their

Jenna pressed close as they

eating up their perfect romance,

filled the display. Her pathetic high school crush exposed

erupted in