GoodNovelChapter 17
Alistair stormed forward, grabbing Elaine's arm and pulling her toward him. She stumbled, nearly losing her
balance before Atticus Vaughn steadied her with a quick hand.
Realizing he'd almost made her fall, Alistair stopped walking but didn't release her arm, frustration flashing
across his face.
Once she'd regained her footing, Elaine finally looked at him. Even seeing the apology in his eyes didn't soften
her irritation one bit.
"And you are...?" Atticus finally asked, breaking the awkward tension.
Two answers csimultaneously:
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"My ex-husband."
"Her husband!"
Those two simple words "ex-husband"-hit Alistair like a physical blow. His jaw tightened stubbornly. "I never
agreed to this."
The entire flight to San Francisco, Alistair had been thinking about everything— their marriage, their
relationship.A marriage that had begun as a business arrangement. A relationship that had ended abruptly.
He'd always believed Sophia would be the only woman he'd ever love, that he'd sacrifice anything for her
memory. Until Vivian's accusation had forced him to face the truth.
Maybe their marriage was exactly a straightforward transaction. He provided money and status; she helped him
deal with his family's pressure and managed his messy breakups.
For three years, he'd grown comfortable with that arrangement, convinced he could never love anyone again.
But learning Elaine was leaving had made him panic. Made him anxious. Made him desperate to keep her.
If Alistair had still been uncertain about his feelings, seeing another man ask Elaine out—and watching her about
to accept-had made everything clear.
He loved Elaine.
"Can we talk? Please?" He stood before her, having mustered every ounce of courage he possessed, hoping to
take her somewhere private and find their way back to each other.
But she just pulled her hand free and stepped back.
When she finally looked up at him, her eyes were nothing like the warm gaze she'd given Jack moments earlier.
"There's nothing left to talk about, Alistair. We're done."
The pain spreading through him was so intense his eyes began to water.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
He stepped forward, determined to reach her, but suddenly found Atticus standing between them.
"Look, buddy," Jack said firmly, positioning himself protectively in front of Elaine. "She's made herself clear.
Continuing to push after someone's said no isn't persistence-it's harassment."
He desperately looked past Atticus, searching Elaine's face for any sign of disagreement.
There was none.
She stood behind Atticus, nervously twisting the hem of her jacket, refusing to meet Alistair's eyes.
Seeing Alistair wasn't going to push further, Atticus stepped back, his expression returning to its previous
warmth.
"Where are you staying? Letdrive you back," Atticus offered.
She nodded with a smile, giving him an address. "Thanks, I'd appreciate that."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
