Hold My Tear, I’m Getting My Wife Back!

Chuck's expression was solemn. He glanced around, set down his glass of bourbon, and murmured to Leanne, "Can we talk in private for a second?" He guided her out of the bustling banquet hall to the balcony outside. The sliding glass door opened and then shut behind them, leaving the noise and festivities as if in another world, separated by the chill of the evening rain.

Chuck finally dropped his guard, adopting the tone of an elder speaking with gravity and concern, "Kid, you must stop bringing this up to others." "Why?" Leanne asked, her gaze direct and persistent.

Chuck sighed. "It's been years. Why dredge it all up now?"

"Because I care," Leanne replied. "No one seems to care about my parents' death but me. I need to find out who did it."

"I don't know where you'd even start. I don't know anything about it, and I don't know who you could trust."

She changed her approach. "Mr. Chuck, I can tell you had some respect for my dad. If you know anything, for his sake, could you tell me?" Chuck's expression was a mix of emotions, and he hesitated before cautioning her. "If you trust me, take my advice and stop digging. It isn't something you should get involved in."

"Just enjoy your life. Curtis loves you, so live well with him. That's the best way to honor your father's memory."

"Mr. Chuck..."

to say more, but Chuck had decided, swiftly turning and striding back through

knew something but was afraid of

what

Leanne's dress and chilled her to the bone in the mid-June air, making her shiver. After a moment, she returned

party's warmth and the guests' chatter hit her like a wave of emptiness as she saw Curtis standing at the end

gaze was on her and then toward the balcony, though it

devoid

have seen Chuck coming

to explain the ten minutes she'd spent alone with another

toward her, asking, "Enjoying

clean towel, gently wiping the dampness from her shoulders and hair with

to find the right words, managing only, "You