He doesn't say anything. But I can see the hurt in his eyes.
"I'm sorry," I say. "I know you're trying to help. I know you’re genuine. But I can't do this. Not this way."
Jamie stands up and comes to stand beside me. "I agree with her."
Ryan looks at her, surprised.
"If we lose the business," Jamie says, "then we lose it. We'll figure it out. We'll start over after she sells the house. But we'll do it on our own terms. Not because someone else paid our way out."
Ryan stares at us both for a long moment. Then he exhales and runs a hand through his hair. "You're both insane."
"Probably," I admit.
"You're choosing to lose everything when you don't have to."
"We're choosing recovery," I correct. "There's a difference."
He shakes his head, but there's something softer in his expression now as he looks between us. "You're the most stubborn women I've ever met.”
"Thank you”
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I think we’re both taking it as one."
He almost smiles. Almost. Then he crosses the room and pulls me into a hug. "I'm still here," he says quietly. "Even if you won't let me fix this. I'm still here."
"I know." I hug him back. "And that's enough. That's more than enough."
When he pulls away, he pulls Jamie into a hug. "You're really okay with this? Losing the business?"
"I'm okay with my sister being free," Jamie says. "The business is just a business. We can rebuild. But we can't get back the time she's lost. Or the person she was before all this."
I reach for her hand and squeeze it.
Ryan nods slowly. "Okay. Then we do it your way."
"Thank you," I say.
The relief is staggering. I'm not trapped anymore. I'm free.
CHAPTER
FORTY-SIX
ASHER
The mansion feelsdifferent now that I'm living in it. When my father was alive, this place was his domain. His fortress. Every room designed to his exact specifications, every piece of furniture chosen to project wealth and power and control. Now it's just empty.
Devon and I have been here for three days. Three days since Julie kicked us out of the house, and I've been walking through these halls like a ghost. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Everything feels wrong. I button my shirt and stare at myself in the mirror. I look like shit. Dark circles under my eyes. My jaw is tight. I haven't been sleeping well. Every time I close my eyes, I see Julie standing in that bedroom doorway. Her face so calm.
I grab my keys and wallet and head downstairs. Devon is in the kitchen when I get there, wearing one of my t-shirts and making coffee. She smiles when she sees me. "Morning," she says brightly. "I made you breakfast."
There's a plate on the counter. Eggs, toast, bacon. It looks perfect. "Thanks," I say. "But I'm not really hungry."
Her smile falters. "You haven't eaten breakfast in three days."
"I know. I just—" I run a hand through my hair. "I have a lot on my mind."
