Page 120 of The Rebel Billionaire

“No, we can’t. I’ve tried, but I’ve been alone in this for too long.”

“Are you talking about not getting pregnant? We can see someone.”

Another tear trails down her cheek.

“I made the appointment.”

I stare at her, confused.

“It was today, Alex. You never showed,” she says. “I waited and waited.”

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry. Today was…”

“That’s the problem. Today is always going to be one of those days. I’ve begun to realise that. I can’t ask you to change. You’re the man I fell in love with. But we have different priorities.”

“Please, Lori…”

“I’m sorry, Alex.” Her voice catches. “I can’t do this anymore.”

I shake my head frantically.

“Lori…”

“Goodbye, Alex. My lawyer will be in touch.”

I look to the doorway. The one she walked through without a backward glance five years ago.

It was later that I found out about Myles. The mild-mannered NFL player with a heart-of-gold whom she’d met the year before. Not that I blame her. She begged me to be there for her, and I let her down in the worst possible way. She’d given me one last chance, only I hadn’t known that it was. I’d been too caught up in my own crazy world to recognise it. I have no one but myself to blame for that breakdown. Now she’s happy. She and Myles have beautiful twins. They’re deeply in love, sharing the life they’ve built together.

My thoughts drift back to Brooke.

Shit.

I pick up my phone.

ME:

Brooke, I’m sorry. That was totally inappropriate.

A blue tick appears, letting me know she’s read it. Nothing.

I drink more scotch, wondering how many ways Sue in HR can skin me alive for my stupidity.

My phone pings.

BROOKE:

Don’t worry. It’s been a stressful night.

ME:

That’s no excuse.

BROOKE:

Please forget it. I have. It’s Christmas. Thank you for a lovely day with your family.

I stare at her words.