Yate

rage. Cass sat across from me, a book open on his lap, but his gaze was fixed on the clouds

ked, his voice soft, breaking the silence

sure of anything in my life, Cass. I can't sta

erson family doesn't do things halfway. Whe

that rivaled August's own company. His return, and the revelation of his true identity, felt like a twist of fate, a sudden, powerful shield in my corner.

ords thick with emotion. "For everyth

iefly squeezing my hand. "Alway

ress. It was a sprawling property, surrounded by ancient trees an

f the Henderson family, were meticulously dissecting every detail of August's empire, ensuring I received every penny I was entitled to. August, they reported, was

y, surrounded by dusty books, a place that felt more

"He's trying to spread rumors that you're mentally

try to discredit me. "Let him," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "No

ely. And Jenny is already working on a c

a few times, her bubbly energy a welcome contrast to my somber mood. She genuinely cared, a s

d. "But the legal team anticipated it. They've alrea

l independence. It felt like breathing ag

a bitter taste in my m

solidify their relationship in public. He's painting her

August's playbook: manipulate

"trying to undermine your credibility, imply you're unstable and impulsive. She even hin

She wasn't just a mistress; she was a dangerous adversary. "

. "But we play smarter. We don't need to

rom my marriage, searching for signs I had missed, for glimmers of genuine affection that now seemed entirely fabricated. The more I looked, the more I saw Augus

d disapproved of August from the start, seeing him as too ambitious, too cold for their sensitive daughter.

cracking, "I'm so sorry. I

t with compassion. "Oh, Elise. We never stopp

onal love. My father, gruff but caring, assured me they were there for me, always. It was a pow

ream resurfacing. It was a vulnerable admission. I had given up my acting ambiti

ing his lips. "That's the best news I've heard all week, E

n't just about escaping August anymore; it was about reclaiming myself.

ncial demand. But the Henderson lawyers were relentless, armed with irrefutable evidence of his infidel

s, but photos spanning a decade. Anniversaries, holidays, casual dinners – intimate moments that mirrored the ones I had shared with August. T

no going back. There was nothing left to salvage. Just a hollow space where a decad

ied out. All that was left was a steely resolve. This wasn't just about escape anymore. It was about rebui

ndled it all. My focus shifted to my own recovery. I started taking acting classes again, feeling the familiar

silience, my quiet strength. He probably expected me to crumble, to beg him back.

ed with an unknown number.

nd hoarse, came through the line. "

. But it quickly settled. "There's not

t's not over! You can't just throw away

voice steady, my conviction unwaver

entered his voice. "Don't do this, Elise. Please

eed, a utility, not a person. "Goodbye, August." I ended th

man staring back was still bruised, but she was no l