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.

truly didn't love him anymore. Her tone didn't even

clearer: It's over,

CRACK as he hurled it across the room. Red-eyed and gasping, he clutched at his chest like he

noise, only to be met with a guttural "GET

back against the pillows,

into the

estate, Lucas's satisfied smile coincided perfectly with Gloria appearing

got you looking so smug?" she

her halfway, catching her hand for

something that needed handling,"

further as she curled up

against her cheek. When his warm breath tickled

reaction irresistible, Lucas continued his playful assault, deliberately blowing soft breaths against

lips found hers in a kiss that

letting herself be carried by sensation. Thought gave way to feeling

they finally broke apart, Lucas lifted her effortlessly into his arms and carried