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

Chapter 87

Gloria woke up in her bed with Elijah looming over her, his expression glacial.

"You deserved to stay in there for days after the stunt you pulled. Jenna's the one who begged me to let you out. She's too kind for her own good."

"I get it now-you're still obsessed with me. But let me make this crystal clear: I will never be interested in someone twelve years younger. You and me? Never going to happen."

The door slammed in her face, cutting off her explanation. She slumped back against the headboard, closing her eyes with a deep sigh.

"Elijah, I really am over you."

The mansion buzzed with wedding preparations over the next few days. The entire staff scrambled to arrange the upcoming Phillips-Wright wedding.

Jenna played the gracious bride-to-be, pulling Gloria into the planning as if the previous drama had never happened.

"Everything's nearly perfect-just need a bridesmaid. Gloria would be perfect! Maybe she'll even hit it off with one of the groomsmen."

carried a teasing note, but before Gloria

not being a

turned to find him watching them with

Jenna seemed genuinely

said nothing, just stared at Gloria. She'd been keeping her distance lately, no more desperate attempts to get his attention. But something about the idea of her with another man made his chest

up an excuse, Gloria spoke. "I'm too junior

real reason? She'd be long gone to London

it, but then: "Well, if you can't be bridesmaid, how about letting me wear that wedding dress you designed?

That dress-she'd designed it at eighteen, won awards for it. Socialites had offered fortunes for it, but she'd

herself. To wear when

dress meant, but he couldn't disappoint Jenna. "Gloria,

a smile. "No need. Jenna's right-I should show my support. Consider it an early wedding

hour, the dress arrived from the boutique where

it on, leaving Gloria to retreat to her room, face carefully blank. Only Elijah lingered, watching her go with