Chapter 8

I ignored him.But Carter only pushed harder.

One day,he planted himself at my door,arms full of property deeds,stock transfer agreements,and a pile of asset documents."Elara,I'll give you everything.Just come back."

"You and Chloe won't have to keep hiding.Isn't this the stability you wanted?"

I looked at him.Two cold word:"Get lost."

Three months later.Julian called.

"Darling,let's remarry."

After the paperwork,he took an overjoyed Chloe to kindergarten."I'll pack at the apartment.Pick me up later."

He leaned in for a kiss,pouting.

"You don't even miss me?"

I laughed."So childish."

His eyes turned serious.

"The ones who are loved never need to pretend to be mature."

At my apartment,I froze.

The walkway was covered in red roses.Endless.

Carter knelt with a massive diamond ring.

"Elara,I know you're still angry with me."

"But I'm willing to put up with every mood,every moment of it.You used to be the one giving everything—now let me be the one who comes to you.Marry me."

The neighbors who had gathered,oblivious to the truth,erupted."Say yes!Say yes!"

I walked up.

I slapped the ring out of his hand.

My heel crushed the roses.

"I refuse."

Carter stood up,eyes bloodshot.

"Why?!You still love me!"

"I don't,"I snapped.

I held up the marriage certificate—still warm from my hands—for everyone in that room to see."Because I'm already married."