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.

face: she truly didn't love him

message couldn't be clearer: It's over,

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

in at the noise, only to

the door clicked shut, Elijah collapsed back against the pillows, his

whispered into the

satisfied smile coincided perfectly with Gloria appearing at the top of the

looking so smug?" she asked, descending toward

her halfway, catching her

handled something that needed handling,"

further as she curled up

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

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

he caught her, pressing her gently back against the cushions. His lips found hers in a kiss that

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

Lucas lifted her effortlessly into his arms and carried her