Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 54520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Concern drives me forward, my hands already reaching for her. “Come on, you’re freezing.” I draw her inside, pulling her out of the storm’s grip.
She follows numbly, letting me tug off her wet coat.
Linc swings the door shut behind us while I grab a blanket from the couch and wrap it around her shoulders.
Her eyes finally lift to mine, brimming with sorrow so heavy it nearly buckles me. “I did it,” she whispers. “I left him.”
For a moment, all I can do is stare, surprise surging through me before hurt and betrayal take its place.
“There’s so much I need to tell you, but…you were right. About everything.” Her breath falters, voice thinning. “And I’m sorry. God, Harlow. I’m so sorry.”
The apology ends on a gut-wrenching sob. The sound is so raw, and devastating, that not even my hurt feelings can hold me back.
I pull her into my arms, clutching her tight. “Shh, it’s okay.” My words fall softly against her damp hair. “Everything’s going to be okay.”
I don’t know if that’s true, but it’s all I have to give her right now.
Linc’s voice breaks the moment. “Does he know you’re here?”
The hard edge of his voice drags my gaze to him. His jaw is locked, shoulders squared, like he’s bracing for a fight he already plans to win.
Hattie pulls from me, shaking her head. “No. No one does. At least…not yet.” She sniffles, wiping her cheeks. “I didn’t plan it. I just…ended up at the airport and caught the first flight here.”
Her confession only deepens the questions churning inside me.
Linc nods, satisfied with her answer. “I’ll give you two some time then.”
I move quick, edging around Hattie. “You don’t have to do that.”
His smile is quiet and reassuring. “It’s all good, Goldilocks. You two have things to discuss. I’ll check in later.”
Disappointment flashes through me before I can hide it.
He catches the reaction, drawing me in for a deep, hard kiss. His hand stays warm against my cheek, steady and grounding. “Call if you need me, and I’ll come back—no matter what. Okay?”
I nod. “Thank you.”
He grabs his wallet and keys, then slips out, locking the door behind him.
Once the latch clicks shut, I turn back to my sister and guide her toward the couch, her frame still trembling.
“Okay,” I start gently, settling beside her. “Talk to me. Tell me what happened.”
She clutches the blanket as if it’s the only thing keeping her together. “I went to his office tonight. Thought I’d surprise him with dinner.” Her voice is flat, hollowed with pain. “He wasn’t alone.”
My heart twists in my chest. Even if the words come as no surprise, I still feel bad.
“I thought about walking away, pretending I hadn’t seen it. But I couldn’t. Not this time.” Her voice unravels, every word shadowed with pain. “I told him I wanted a divorce, and do you know what he did?”
I shake my head, dread settling over me at the pause.
“He laughed at me.” The words fall on a broken breath. “They both did. Like I was nothing but a joke. He said I’d never last a day without him.”
Rage claws through me, jaw clenching tight. His audacity shouldn’t still surprise me, but it does.
“I snapped, Harlow,” she admits, gaze falling away. “Threw the lasagna at them, then smashed the plate into his face.”
My mouth drops open. “You didn’t.”
She nods, a little dignified. “Pretty sure I broke his nose.”
A soft laugh escapes. “God, I wish I’d been there to see it.”
Her lips twitch, but the act fades as fast as it comes, swallowed by regret. “And I wish I’d left with you that day.”
The ache I buried claws free, jagged and painful. “Why didn’t you? You knew the truth, Hattie. I was ready to fight for you—even after everything—and you just left me out to dry.”
Her eyes fall shut, fresh tears breaking loose. “I know and you’ll never know how sorry I am. I wanted to go with you—god, I did—but I thought I had to stay. To at least try. Not for me, but…” Her throat works as she swallows. “For my baby.”
Every part of me goes still, including my breath. “I’m sorry…what?”
Her gaze lifts, filled with sorrow. “I’m pregnant,” she whispers. “I found out a few weeks before the wedding.”
The words hang in the air, sharp and disorienting.
“Truth is, I was going to call it off months ago,” she confesses. “But then I saw those two pink lines and I thought it was a sign. That if I held on, maybe he’d change, and I could give my baby a real family.” Devastation laces every word. “But after tonight…seeing it with my own eyes…I can’t. I won’t. I don’t want my daughter to believe this is love. Or my son to think this is how you love a woman. They deserve better.” Her hand clutches her chest, as if she’s bracing against the ache inside. “Even if better is just me.”