Chapter 10
Vincent swept me into his arms without warning, cradling me against his chest. My fingers curled into his shirt, breathing in his scent of leather and spice. He carried me through the moonlit shed, past weathered tools and dusty memories.
“Goodbye, Grandpa,” I whispered, looking back at the small building that held so many answers. “I’ll make them pay for keeping us apart.”
The black SUV waited in the shadows, engine purring. Vincent settled me in the passenger seat, his hands lingering longer than necessary. The drive back was silent.
We pulled up to the sprawling mansion, security gates sliding shut behind us. Vincent helped me out, his touch gentle despite the strength I knew lay beneath. He led me up marble stairs.
“This is your room.” He pushed open a
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door, revealing a luxurious suite in deep blues and silvers. “Mine’s right next door if you need anything.”
I stepped inside, running my fingers over silk curtains. “You’re not staying?”
“You’ve been through enough tonight. Get some rest.” His eyes softened as they met mine. “I want you to feel safe here, Cheryl. No one will force anything on you again.”
The words struck deep. After years of Thomas’s entitled demands, Vincent’s respect felt like a gift I’d forgotten I deserved. He waited in the doorway until I
nodded.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“Sweet dreams, little bird.” He closed the door with a quiet click.
I sank onto the plush bed, still processing how my life had shifted so dramatically.
My phone buzzed against the nightstand, Thomas’s name lighting up the screen. I
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considered letting it go to voicemail, but steeled myself and answered.
“Hello, Cheryl.” His voice dripped with that familiar smugness. “Just making sure you remember our appointment tomorrow. Ten AM sharp at the lawyer’s office.”
“I remember.” I kept my voice steady, fingers tracing patterns on the silk sheets.
“Good, good. The whole Rivers clan will be there to witness our… separation.” He chuckled. “You should bring your family too. Oh wait –” He paused for dramatic effect. “That’s right, you don’t have any family to bring, do you?”
The old wound stung, but I refused to let him hear it in my voice. Five years of practice had taught me how to swallow pain. Vincent’s face flashed in my mind – those ice–blue eyes that promised protection.
“Actually, Thomas, I will be bringing family.”
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“What?” The smug tone faltered.
“You heard me. See you tomorrow at ten.”
I hung up before he could respond, satisfaction coursing through me at having knocked him off balance.
I stepped out of the black SUV, my heels clicking against the pavement. Thomas and his family clustered near the law office entrance, Jessica hanging off his arm like at trophy. Their faces twisted in confusion ast Marco opened my door.
Thomas’s mouth dropped open, then curved into that cruel smirk I’d grown to hate. “Well, well. Looks like someone’s putting on quite a show.”
I walked past them, head high. Marco’s solid presence followed a few steps behind, exactly where he needed to be.
“Must have cost you a month’s salary to rent that fancy car and hire muscle.” Thomas’s
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voice carried across the parking lot. “Or maybe…” He gave Marco a pointed once- over. “You found other ways to pay for it. Always knew you were desperate, but this is a new low.”
Jessica tittered behind her perfectly manicured hand. The Rivers family
exchanged knowing looks, already
believing the worst.
Marco surged forward, his face dark with rage. “You piece of ”
I raised my hand. “Marco, stop.”
He froze mid–step, muscles coiled tight. “One word, Madam. Just say it and I’ll end him right here.”
“No.” I met Thomas’s now–uncertain gaze.
“Not yet.”
“Let’s skip the drama and sign the papers.” I gestured toward the office doors. “Unless you need an audience for this too?”
Thomas’s jaw clenched. His parents shifted
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behind him, their designer clothes rustling
with disapproval.
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