He Called Me a Monster. I Walked Into His Gala and Took Back My Name.

by

Chapter 26

THEME:
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She looked down again.

"I suppose I did."

I watched her carefully.

"You didn't need to make me feel ugly to build a life with him."

Her expression twisted.

"You don't understand. He said you wouldn't let him go."

I almost laughed.

"That's what he told you?"

She didn't answer.

I thought of the divorce papers.

The way Preston had demanded that I withdraw them.

The desperate suggestion that we remain married until his partnership review was complete.

"He lied to both of us," I said.

Cassidy looked up.

For a brief second, our eyes met.

Then I added, "But you knew he was married. You knew about the scars. And you chose to use them against me."

Her lips trembled.

"I'm sorry."

I didn't know whether she meant it.

Perhaps she was frightened about Preston's career.

Perhaps she regretted being exposed.

Perhaps she finally understood how much damage she had caused.

I didn't need to decide.

"Your baby hasn't done anything wrong," I said. "I hope you remember that when you decide what kind of life you want."

She began to cry.

I looked back at the city.

"I wish you no harm, Cassidy. But I won't carry the consequences of your choices."

After a moment, she left.

I remained on the balcony.

A few minutes later, Gideon appeared.

He kept a respectful distance.

"May I join you?"

"Of course."

He stepped beside me.

For a while, neither of us spoke.

Then he asked, "How are you feeling?"

I considered the question.

"Exhausted."

He smiled faintly.

"Understandable."

"And frightened."

"About the divorce?"

"About everything afterward."

I looked toward the city.

"Eight years is a long time to build your life around someone. Even when that person hurts you, leaving can feel like stepping off a cliff."

Gideon rested his hands on the railing.

"Then take the next step carefully."

I looked at him.

"That's all?"

"That's enough for now."

I smiled.

He glanced toward the ballroom.

"By the way, you handled Preston's interruption well."

"I wanted to scream at him."

"I noticed you didn't."

"I didn't want him to turn my work into another argument about our marriage."

Gideon nodded.

"That was wise."

I hesitated.

"What happens to his equity?"

"The committee will complete its review. Your husband's outburst doesn't decide the result, and neither does your divorce."

"I know."

"But the work attribution matters. So does whether he can substantiate the responsibilities he's claimed."

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