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

Chapter 98

The snowstorm landed Elijah back in the hospital with a raging fever and periods of unconsciousness.

As he drifted in and out, calling Gloria's name repeatedly, his assistant couldn't help feeling sorry for him. The man pulled every connection he had, trying desperately to convince Gloria to visit Elijah just once.

Instead, all he received was a digital voice recorder delivered by one of Lucas's staff members.

Alone in his sterile hospital room, Elijah stared at the small device, turning it over in his hands before finally hitting play.

After some background chatter, Gloria's voice cut through clearly.

"If Jenna hadn't been exposed, I might have waited forever for him to see the truth." Her voice carried that unmistakable edge.

"People only face reality when they're forced to, only appreciate what they had after throwing it away. I don't need his too-little-too-late apologies. I have no interest in getting tangled up with Elijah again. That would only drag me backward when I've finally moved forward. Clean break, no contact-that's the healthiest ending for both of us."

Elijah played those words again and again, searching for some hint they were doctored or taken out of context.

But he knew her voice too well-every inflection, every subtle pause. This was undeniably Gloria speaking her truth.

the reality he couldn't face: she truly didn't love him

couldn't be clearer: It's over, Elijah. Move

the room. Red-eyed and gasping, he clutched at his chest like he was

noise, only

shut, Elijah collapsed back against the pillows,

he whispered into the

perfectly with Gloria appearing at the top of the

you looking so smug?" she asked, descending

met her halfway, catching her hand for the

something that needed handling," he

didn't push further as she curled up beside him on

her closer, his face brushing against her cheek. When his warm breath tickled her ear, she squirmed away with a

Lucas continued his playful assault, deliberately blowing soft breaths against

hers in a kiss that started soft but quickly deepened, their tongues meeting as the world

initial shyness gradually melted. She surrendered to the moment, eyes closed, letting herself be carried by sensation. Thought gave way to

broke apart, Lucas lifted her effortlessly into his