Chapter 26
“I didn’t think it would go this far,” he said.
That was the closest he had come to an apology.
It was still about him.
“No,” I said. “You thought I wouldn’t.”
His mouth tightened.
“Sloane is cooperating.”
“I know.”
“She’ll say anything to save herself.”
“She already said enough to save me time.”
He looked toward the courtroom doors.
“You loved me once.”
“Yes.”
His eyes came back to mine.
“Can you remember that before you finish this?”
That was the most dangerous question he had asked.
Because I could.
I could remember him younger, laughing in the rain outside a Cleveland hospital after his first major fellowship interview. I could remember him holding my hand beneath a table when my father gave a speech that made me cry. I could remember the first time he saw the ocean from our Nantucket deck and said, with genuine wonder, “How does anyone get used to this?”
I could remember every reason I stayed.
But memory is not a pardon.
“I remember,” I said. “That’s why I’m not asking for prison in the divorce.”
His eyes flickered.
“That’s supposed to be mercy?”
“No. Accuracy. Criminal consequences are not mine to request as a wife. They belong to the systems you defrauded.”
He laughed bitterly.
“You sound like a lawyer.”
“I paid enough of them to learn rhythm.”
He lowered his voice.
“I can still hurt you.”
I believed him.
Not financially. Not legally.
But grief has long arms. A man who knows your old dreams can always find a window.
“Yes,” I said. “But not in any way that changes the outcome.”
That was when the hallway shifted.
Julian had stepped out of the courtroom behind me. Chase saw him and smiled without humor.
“Of course he’s here.”
Julian did not respond.
Chase looked between us.
“How long?”
I almost admired the audacity.
“You brought your mistress to my properties,” I said, “and you are asking me for a timeline?”
“You always needed someone waiting,” he said. “That’s your secret. You pretend to be alone because it makes you look strong, but you can’t stand it.”
Julian’s voice cut in, calm and cold.
“Careful.”
Chase looked at him.
“Or what?”
“Or you’ll mistake her restraint for mine.”
The hallway quieted.
Cecilia sighed.
“Men,” she said softly, with genuine fatigue.
I turned to Julian. “Not necessary.”
He looked at me, then nodded once.