Hallie, with her bloody manipulation, fought tooth and nail to drag this out. My only shot at getting the divorce granted was proving that her behavior had ruined our marriage. But she was determined to prolong the fight, and somehow, she came out on top.
After that, I was forced to endure two years of separation before I could try again, unless I gave in to her extortion. I refused to give her a damn thing, so I’ve had to wait it out.
I curse myself for ever falling for her schemes. It stings knowing she only wanted me for my money, but the real gut punch? Finding out she was unfaithful all along while I stayed loyal. How could I have been so blind?
I shake my head, my dad’s voice echoing in my mind. But this? This isn’t some light breeze guiding me. It’s a full-on tempest. And there better be a damn good reason it brought me here.
I really hope Finn is onto something.
With a sense of urgency, I gather everything he asked for, double-checking I haven’t missed a thing. Once I shoot the email off to him, I don’t waste any time. I pack up my things, mentally steeling myself for whatever’s coming next.
I click the office door shut behind me, and the flicker of light from Rose’s office catches my attention. She’s still at her desk, eyes glued to her screen, looking just as worn out as I feel.
“Hey, what are you still doing here?”
She glances up, giving me that same look that makes it hard not to notice how much she and her niece share in the eyes department. “Just wrapping up the catering selections.”
“Shit, sorry about that. I was supposed to handle that, not dump it on you.”
“No worries.” She waves it off.
I nod, just about to turn and head out of the office when she calls my name.
“Hey, Knox?”
I stop, shifting back to face her. “What’s up?”
“Do you know what you’re doing?” Her voice holds an edge of concern, a worry I hear loud and clear.
I pause, letting the weight of what she’s asking settle in.
“Aye…I’m working through it,” I answer, my tone steady, but not as sure as I want it to be. “I don’t plan on sharing much with anyone until I’ve got some solid answers, and that includes Juliette. I’m sorry if that’s not the response you were hoping for, but right now, there’s not much to say. She could be leaving in a week and none of this would matter.”
She gives a solemn nod, but there’s still a trace of apprehension in her eyes. “I understand, and that’s fair. I’m just looking out for both of you.”
A lump forms in my throat. “I’ll be careful with her, Rose. I know how much she means to you,” I say.
She offers a half smile. “That’s all I can ask for. Now shoo. I’ve got work to do.”
I give her a quick wave and slip out, the soft click of the door behind me doing little to drown out the turmoil stirring inside. I promised I’d be careful, but the truth is, the pull I feel toward Juliette isn’t something I can talk myself out of.
twenty-one
JULIETTE
Instead of braving the outside world today, I stayed in the cottage to get lost in a good book. The stillness is a breath of fresh air, with only the sounds of soft rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of a bird interrupting. It’s almost like the world is taking a deep, slow breath with me. This is my happy place.
I have no idea how long I’ve been curled up like this, limbs half asleep and completely lost in someone else’s world, when my phone buzzes against the cushion beside me. The sound startles me enough to jolt me halfway out of my blanket cocoon.
Knox.
His name lighting up my screen has my stomach doing this ridiculous little flip.
I clear my throat, willing myself to sound…not insane. Not like someone who just spent the last five minutes daydreaming about his stupid perfect voice.
“Hey, you!”
Well, that was anything but chill.
