Chapter 1

After her miscarriage, Elise Emery became exactly the wife Colsen Locke had always wanted.

She quit telling him about her day. Quit calling when he stayed out all night.

Even when an old man falsely accused her of hitting him with her car, she didn't call anyone. Didn't ask for bail.

She just spent seven days in custody.

At dusk on the seventh day, the precinct's iron gate clanged open.

Elise had barely made it down the steps when a black Maybach screeched to a stop in front of her.

The door swung open.

Colsen stepped out in a custom suit, tall and lean, all broad shoulders and cold control.

Same polished look.

Same unreadable face.

Chapter 1

He strode over, brows pinched. "Elise, why didn't you call me when you got in trouble?"

Elise gave him a thin smile. "Would you have answered?"

Seven days ago, she'd been driving home from work when an old man suddenly dropped in front of her car.

The second she got out to help, he grabbed her arm and yelled, "She hit me! She tried to take off!"

Security footage proved Elise hadn't touched him, but she still needed someone to post bail.

She told the cops she had no family to call.

They didn't buy it.

They pulled up her marriage records and found Colsen's number.

His phone was off.

They called again and again.

Nothing.

Colsen's expression changed. "Bella's stomach was hurting that night, so I took her to the hospital. She hates noise, so I shut my phone off."

He paused. "Sorry."

"It's fine. I wasn't going to call you anyway. You had your own stuff going on."

Her voice was way too calm. Her eyes gave nothing away.

Colsen stared at her, then grabbed her wrist.

His hand was hot, his grip tight. Elise frowned.

"Why aren't you mad?"

Confusion flashed in his eyes, along with something close to unease.

Elise almost laughed. "Why would I be? You explained. I get it. There's nothing to be mad about."

"Elise—"

"I'm tired. I wanna go home."

She yanked her hand free and walked past him toward the car.

Colsen stood there, watching her walk away.

After only seven days apart, she'd lost so much weight her shirt hung loose on her.

Before, the slightest neglect would bring tears to her eyes. She'd confront him, hurt. "Colsen, did you ever care about me?"

He'd always thought she was being dramatic and immature.

But now she didn't argue. Didn't cry. No matter what he said, she just nodded.

"Okay."

Still, it made him uneasy.

The car was silent.

The chauffeur drove while Elise sat by the back window, watching the streets blur past.

She used to look at Colsen the second she got in, like he was all she could see. Whenever they were alone, she always had something to say. Even when he barely responded, she'd keep talking.

Now she sat in silence, like he wasn't even there.

Colsen finally spoke. "Are you still upset about what happened?"

Elise turned to him, calm. "No. It's over."

"Then why—"

"Colsen." She cut him off. "What do you want from me? To cling to you like I used to? Or stay quiet and give you all the freedom you wanted?"

Colsen had no answer.

Of course he'd wanted her to stop making a big deal out of everything, especially Bella Kirk. But now that she had, something felt off.

Everything felt off.

"You've changed," he said quietly.

Elise turned back to the window.

'Have I changed?

'Maybe.

'You're different when you love someone and when you don't.'

The car went quiet again. Colsen was about to speak when his phone rang.

Bella.

He answered, and her sweet voice came through. "Colsen, where are you? I'm at the mall and bought way too much. Can you come get me?"

Colsen glanced at Elise.

She kept staring out the window like she hadn't heard a thing.

Irritation hit him out of nowhere. "Bella, you're an adult. Stop depending on me for everything. Besides, there's nothing between us anymore."

"But you spoiled me for years. I'm used to it," Bella said. "You never said no when I asked you to pick me up before."

"That was before." His voice turned cold. "You were my girlfriend then. I'm married now."

"Married?" Bella scoffed. "Do you even care about her? Stop lying to yourself. If you won't come, I'll find another guy to carry my stuff. Plenty of men would love to."

Colsen's grip tightened around his phone.

Bella knew exactly how to get to him. She knew he hated the thought of her running to some other guy.

"Wait there," he said through clenched teeth, then hung up.

He took a breath and turned to Elise. "Elise, I—"

"I'll grab a cab." Elise was already opening the door. "Go get her."

She moved so fast, he barely reacted.

"Elise!" He jumped out, caught up, and grabbed her arm. "There's nothing between us anymore. Seriously. But we grew up together, and our families go way back. I can't just cut her off."

"I know." Elise nodded. "I get it."

It was always "I know" or "I get it," like she'd shut off every emotion.

That blank, distant look only pissed Colsen off more, but Bella called again, telling him to hurry.

"Go home first. I'll be back later—"

Too late.

Elise had already flagged down a cab.

She got in and shut the door without even looking at him.

Then she was gone.

Colsen stood there, watching the taillights disappear into traffic.

For the first time, it hit him.

Something had really changed.

Meanwhile, Elise's phone rang in the cab.

HR.

"Ms. Emery, your overseas transfer was approved," the woman said brightly. "Congrats. You're heading to our European headquarters.

"It's a huge opportunity. But... what about your husband? You have no idea when you'll be back. You'd be doing long-distance."

Elise watched the neon lights streak past the window.

"I won't have a husband." Her voice stayed soft. "I filed for divorce the same day I applied for the transfer.

"Once it's final, I'm gone."

Chapter 2

The line went quiet for a few seconds.

"...Seriously? You loved him so much. You passed up so many amazing opportunities because of him. Why now?"

Elise gave a small smile and shook her head. "I don't love him anymore."

After hanging up, she leaned against the window and closed her eyes.

Everyone knew how much she'd loved Colsen.

Too much.

She'd lost herself. Thrown away every ounce of pride she had.

But she was done.

Loving someone who wanted someone else was exhausting.

When Elise was eighteen, a freshman in college, she first saw Colsen at an awards ceremony.

It was a bright, sunny day. He stood onstage in a plain white shirt and black pants, confident and totally put together.

Pretty much every girl in the room blushed.

Elise included.

But nobody could get close to him.

Everyone knew Colsen only had eyes for Bella, the girl he'd grown up with.

Bella was dramatic, bossy, and had a temper, but Colsen spoiled her rotten and let her get away with anything. Everyone said he was obsessed with her.

And while Colsen loved Bella, Elise loved him from a distance.

Then Bella ran out on their wedding.

Again.

And again.

The first time, she said she was too young.

The second, she got cold feet.

The third, she claimed Colsen didn't love her enough.

...

By the ninth time, she called from overseas the night before the wedding.

"Colsen, I've been thinking. I still care more about my freedom. Let's not get married yet. I want to travel for a few years first!"

That time, Colsen didn't chase after her.

He was down for a while. Then he finally agreed to let his family set him up.

Date after date.

None made it past the first one.

Elise's heart jumped when she heard.

After asking around, she finally got set up with him.

That day, on impulse, she wore a dress identical to Bella's.

The second Colsen saw her, he froze.

He stared for a long moment.

"Let's get married."

Elise's heart dropped.

She knew he wasn't really seeing her.

He was seeing Bella.

Still, she nodded.

She loved him that much.

Even knowing he felt nothing for her, she still wanted to stay by his side.

After they got married, they were polite but distant.

Colsen treated her well. He gave her everything money could buy and always respected her in public.

But Elise knew better.

That wasn't love.

He never touched her first. Only when she dressed like Bella would he lose control, pull her into his arms, and call her "Bella."

Every time, Elise pretended she didn't hear.

Five years passed like that.

She thought they could keep going forever.

Then Bella came back.

Elise was three months pregnant when a sharp pain hit her stomach.

She clutched it and reached for her phone to call an ambulance.

Then Bella showed up.

"So you're Elise?" Bella looked her up and down. "I heard you took my place while I was gone."

Elise was pale from the pain. She didn't have the energy to argue. She just needed to get to the hospital.

She tried to walk past her, but Bella blocked the way.

During the struggle, Elise pulled away.

Bella stumbled back and hit her head on the doorframe.

Blood started pouring from the cut.

That night, Colsen locked Elise in a room.

Her stomach hurt so bad it felt like something was tearing her apart.

She pounded on the door.

"Colsen... help me... the baby... our baby..."

No one came.

She curled up on the floor, shaking in pain.

Then she felt something warm beneath her.

She reached down.

Blood.

Eventually, she blacked out.

When she woke up, she was in the hospital.

The baby was gone.

Colsen stood beside her bed, guilt written all over his face.

"It was my fault. After you're discharged, we can try for another baby.

"But if you hadn't pushed Bella, I wouldn't have locked you up. She has a clotting disorder. That shove almost killed her. I panicked.

"I'll make it up to you."

Elise laughed.

She laughed until tears ran down her face.

"Colsen, how could you possibly make up for a life?"

That was the first and last time she ever cried in front of him.

After that, she was done.

She secretly filed for divorce and applied for a transfer overseas.

Whatever happened between Colsen and Bella wasn't her problem anymore.

Because she didn't love him anymore.

Chapter 3

Elise went home alone.

The mansion felt huge, empty, and cold.

She changed her shoes, headed upstairs, and started packing.

She'd already packed most of her stuff in secret. Only a few things were left.

One by one, she pulled out the clothes she'd bought to dress like Bella, folded them, and put them in her suitcase.

She'd never wear them again.

Then the front door opened downstairs.

Colsen was back.

And he wasn't alone.

Bella stood at the bottom of the stairs, flashing Elise a sweet smile.

"Elise. Long time no see."

Elise said nothing.

"Bella wanted to see Snowy." Colsen sounded a little awkward. "It's been a while."

Snowy was the dog Colsen and Bella had gotten when they were together. When Bella moved overseas, she left it with Colsen.

After Elise married Colsen, she was the one who took care of Snowy.

"Whatever." Elise turned toward her room.

"Snowy! Snowy!" Bella crouched down and clapped her hands.

A white Samoyed came charging around the corner.

The second Snowy saw Bella, it raced straight to her, tail going crazy.

"Oh my God, Snowy still remembers me!" Bella wrapped her arms around it, grinning. "Guess even after some other woman raised you all these years, you still know who your real mom is."

The jab was obvious.

Elise stopped.

Colsen frowned. "Bella, you left the country without a word and didn't even take Snowy with you. You lost the right to call yourself its mom a long time ago.

"You've seen it. Now go."

Bella pouted. "It's dark, and it's pouring outside. I don't wanna go home alone. Can I... stay here tonight?"

Colsen was about to say no.

But rain hammered against the windows, thunder rolling outside.

He glanced at Elise, already bracing himself. Bella staying over always used to upset her, and calming her down took forever.

But Elise spoke first.

"Guest room's at the end of the hall downstairs. The sheets are clean." Her voice stayed calm. "Stay if you want."

Then she turned and went back to her room.

Colsen froze.

Bella looked surprised too, but quickly smiled and hooked her arm through his.

"See, Colsen? Even your wife said it's fine."

Colsen stared at Elise's closed door.

That weird feeling hit him again.

He pulled his arm free. "Behave."

His phone rang.

Work.

He glanced at Bella. "Stay out of trouble."

Then he headed to his study.

Bella was alone in the living room.

Her smile dropped instantly.

She walked over to Elise's room and knocked.

Elise opened the door.

Bella leaned against the frame, looking her up and down. "Why act so cool about this? You think letting me stay makes you look like the understanding wife?

"Please. I'll show you just how badly you failed.

"After all these years, you couldn't win Colsen's heart. You couldn't even win over a dog."

She whistled.

Snowy came running.

"Snowy." Bella pointed at Elise. "Go. Bite her."

Snowy hesitated.

But Bella kept pushing until it lunged and sank its teeth into Elise's calf.

Elise cried out, caught completely off guard. Her face went pale.

Bella smiled, satisfied.

"See? You took care of that dog for years, and even it doesn't love you. And you seriously thought you could take Colsen from me?

"Give it up."

Pain and humiliation left Elise ice-cold, but she bit her lip, refusing to make another sound.

She gave Bella an icy look. "Forgot to mention something, Bella.

"The common areas in this house—the stairs, the halls—all have security cameras. Twenty-four seven. Everything's recorded."

She held Bella's gaze. "So if you wanna stay tonight and win Colsen back, leave me alone. Otherwise, I'll show him the footage.

"Think he'll still let you stay after that?"

Bella's face changed.

Elise turned around, went back to her room, and shut the door.

She grabbed the first-aid kit from a drawer and cleaned the bite.

The antiseptic stung like hell, but she didn't flinch.

When she was done, she climbed into bed and closed her eyes.

No warm milk for Colsen.

No waiting up for him to finish work.

No good night.

She just went to sleep.

***

In the middle of the night, thick smoke jolted Elise awake.

She opened her eyes and immediately started coughing.

Smoke filled the room.

She jumped out of bed and opened the door.

Flames tore through the hallway.

Fire.

She gripped the wall and stumbled forward, but after a few steps, the smoke hit her hard.

Her legs gave out.

She crashed to the scorching floor and tried to get back up.

Nothing.

She had no strength left.

Just when she thought she was going to die, someone charged through the flames.

Colsen!

He was still in his pajamas, soot streaked across his face as he frantically looked around.

Elise tried to call out, but the smoke had stolen her voice.

She reached for him, hoping he'd see her.

He didn't.

Colsen rushed straight past her toward the corner—

Snowy was curled up there, shaking.

Colsen scooped it up and ran without even looking back.

Elise watched him disappear into the flames.

Then she laughed.

Tears streamed down her face.

'He came for the dog.

'To Colsen, I'm worth less than a dog.'

Chapter 4

The smoke got thicker, and Elise's head started spinning.

Gritting her teeth, she forced herself up against the wall and stumbled toward the door.

A fallen beam blocked the way.

No chance.

Elise stared at the flames, then rushed to the window.

She shoved it open, and the cold air cleared her head a little.

Down below, Colsen ran out carrying Snowy.

Bella threw herself into his arms.

"Colsen! I was so scared!" Tears poured down her face. "I thought Snowy was gonna die in there. We raised it together. It's been part of us from the start..."

Colsen stiffened, like he wanted to pull away.

But with Bella crying that hard, he finally lifted a hand and patted her back.

"Don't cry. It's okay now. Snowy's safe. So are you."

Watching them, Elise felt something inside her go cold.

Then numb.

She stopped waiting for someone to save her.

She climbed onto the windowsill, took a breath, closed her eyes, and jumped.

The fall lasted seconds.

Too fast to even feel scared.

Then—

Thud.

Pain ripped through her body.

She lay there as warm blood pooled beneath her.

"Mrs. Locke! Oh my God! Mrs. Locke jumped!"

At the maid's scream, Colsen spun around.

Then he saw Elise.

Lying in a pool of blood.

"Elise!"

For the first time, she saw something new on his face.

Shock.

Disbelief.

And even... panic.

Elise looked at him and tried to speak.

But only blood came out.

Then everything went black.

***

When Elise woke up again, the sharp smell of antiseptic hit her.

White ceiling.

She tried to move, but pain shot through her whole body, especially her legs.

"Elise!"

She turned her head.

Colsen sat beside the bed, eyes bloodshot, stubble covering his jaw. He looked wrecked.

He grabbed her hand.

"You're awake? How do you feel? Does anything hurt?"

His voice shook.

Elise didn't answer.

She just slowly pulled her hand out of his.

Colsen's hand froze in midair.

His face changed.

He figured she was mad about the fire. About him not saving her first.

"Elise," he started quietly, "when I went in, I didn't see you. I thought you'd already gotten out, so I grabbed Snowy. It's not just some dog. It's—"

Elise almost laughed.

'It's what? A symbol of your love for Bella? Proof of all those perfect memories you two had?'

"If you were in there, why didn't you call me?"

'Why didn't I call you?'

Elise finally looked at him.

No anger. No hope.

Just calm.

"Because I don't expect anything from you anymore."

Colsen flinched like she'd hit him.

"What do you mean... you don't expect anything from me?"

His voice was rough. Something hollow opened in his chest.

Elise looked at him like he was a stranger.

"Exactly what I said. I don't expect you to save me. Choose me. Or... love me."

Colsen's heart lurched.

He opened his mouth, but his phone rang.

Bella.

He walked to the window and answered with his back to Elise.

She couldn't hear what Bella was saying. She only saw the tension in his face.

At first, he sounded annoyed.

Then he finally gave in.

"I know."

He hung up and came back to the bed, looking torn.

Before he could say anything, Elise beat him to it.

"Go." Her voice stayed painfully calm. "I really don't need anyone here."

Colsen's chest tightened so badly he could barely breathe.

He opened his mouth, but in the end, all he said was, "Bella's dealing with something. I... need to handle it. I'll be back soon."

After a beat, he added, "I know you're mad about what happened. That's why you're saying stuff you don't mean. Don't worry. It won't happen again."

He paused.

"The anniversary of your mom's death is in a few days. I'll go with you to visit her grave."

Elise's lashes trembled.

"My mom's death anniversary is the same day as Bella's birthday."

She let out a quiet laugh.

"Aren't you gonna celebrate with her?"

Colsen clearly hadn't expected that.

His face stiffened for half a second.

Then he looked away. "What does her birthday... have to do with me?"

Elise almost smiled.

'How could it not?'

In five years of marriage, Colsen always had "something" that day.

Year one, a business trip.

Year two, a meeting.

Year three, a client.

Only later did Elise find out the truth.

Her mom's death anniversary was Bella's birthday.

Every year, Colsen flew more than ten hours to see Bella overseas, stood outside her place all night, left a gift, then walked away.

This year, Bella was back.

Now he could see her himself.

Show her exactly how he felt.

"Oh, really?"

Elise said nothing else.

Too tired to keep talking, she closed her eyes.

Her silence only frustrated Colsen more, but he had nowhere to put that anger.

He stared at Elise's pale face, her eyes still closed.

"There's nothing between Bella and me. Don't get the wrong idea."

The words almost came out.

But in the end, he just said, "Get some rest. I'll come back later."

Then he turned and hurried out of the room.

Chapter 5

Over the next few days, Elise stayed in the hospital and focused on healing.

Colsen stopped by a few times with expensive flowers and gift baskets. He never stayed long.

His phone was always going off.

Elise didn't argue. Didn't complain.

No matter what he said, all he got was, "Mm-hmm."

Nothing else.

And somehow, that left him completely helpless.

The day she was discharged, Colsen brought flowers and went with her to the cemetery outside the city.

As the view outside the window grew more familiar, Elise almost laughed.

Five years.

And this was the first time her husband had ever gone with her to visit her mom's grave.

The cemetery was quiet, wind whispering through the trees.

Colsen stood in front of the headstone, staring at the photo of the woman who looked so much like Elise.

For a long time, he said nothing.

"Mrs. Emery," he finally said, his voice rough, "I'm sorry it took me this long to come see you."

He paused.

"I'll take care of Elise from now on. You don't have to worry. I won't let her get hurt again."

Elise stared at her mom's gentle smile in the photo.

'Mom, did you hear that?

'The man I loved for ten years finally says he'll take care of me.

'But he's too late.

'Way too late.

'I don't need it anymore.'

After the cemetery, Colsen took Elise to a restaurant she'd always wanted to try.

It was an exclusive French place that was almost impossible to book.

She'd brought it up plenty of times before.

Colsen always said he was too busy.

Today, he'd reserved the entire restaurant and set up a candlelit dinner.

"I remember you wanted to come here." He pulled out her chair. "Try the food. See if you like it."

Elise sat down and stared at the fancy dishes.

She felt nothing.

Halfway through dinner, Colsen's phone rang again.

Bella.

Bella's angry voice came through loud enough for Elise to hear every word.

"Colsen! You spent days planning this huge birthday party for me, so why aren't you here?!"

Colsen frowned and glanced at Elise.

She just kept cutting her steak, calm as ever, like she hadn't heard a thing.

"I'm busy," he said.

"What could be more important than my birthday? Get over here right now, or I'm not celebrating at all!"

Colsen finally hung up.

He turned to Elise, clearly about to explain.

Too late.

She'd already put down her knife and fork.

"Go. I'm done anyway."

"Elise, Bella just got back to Santoria and wanted to get everyone together, but she didn't know how to plan the party, so I helped," Colsen said. "It didn't mean anything."

"I know." Elise nodded. "I get it."

There it was again.

Colsen's frustration flared.

"I'll take you with me," he said suddenly. "It's close anyway. We'll stop by, then leave. Might get you out for a bit."

Elise was about to say no, but Colsen was already standing.

"Come on."

Bella's birthday party was in the ballroom of a luxury hotel.

By the time Elise and Colsen got there, the place was packed.

Bella stood in the middle of the crowd in a red gown, soaking up the attention.

The second she saw Colsen, her face lit up.

"Colsen! You finally came!"

She hurried over and hooked her arm through his, totally ignoring Elise.

"Bella." Colsen frowned and tried to pull away.

"Dance with me," Bella said. "Come on. It's been forever."

Colsen looked at Elise.

She was staring at a painting on the wall like none of this had anything to do with her.

"Elise..."

"Go ahead. I'll grab something to eat."

Then she turned and headed for the buffet.

Colsen froze.

Before, just seeing him talk to Bella was enough to make Elise tear up.

'And now she's seriously pushing me toward her?'

Chapter 6

It took Colsen a second to realize Bella had already dragged him onto the dance floor.

When the music started, he put an arm around her waist.

But his eyes kept drifting to Elise.

She stood by the buffet, eating tiny bites of cake, looking like she couldn't care less about any of this.

Bella noticed and frowned.

"If you're that worried about her, go find her. I'll dance with someone else."

She let go of him and headed toward a guy in a white suit.

Owen.

Her college friend.

The guy who'd always been into her.

The second she walked over, he eagerly held out his hand.

Bella slipped her hand into Owen's, and they headed onto the dance floor.

Colsen stayed put, watching them laugh together.

His face darkened.

Bella seemed to notice.

Then she moved even closer to Owen.

Too close.

She leaned in and whispered something in his ear.

Owen laughed, dipped his head, and kissed her cheek.

Crack.

The wineglass shattered in Colsen's hand.

Wine and blood ran over his fingers, but he didn't even react.

He stormed across the floor, grabbed Bella by the wrist, and yanked her away.

"Colsen! What are you doing?! Let go of me!"

Bella struggled against him.

Colsen said nothing.

His face was furious as he practically dragged Bella out of the ballroom and onto the empty balcony.

He backed her against the cold railing.

"Bella, do you seriously have no shame?"

Bella froze, then snapped.

She ripped her hand free. "No shame? I'm single. So is he. We both wanted it, so what's your problem? Who are you to tell me what to do, Colsen? My ex? Or someone else's husband?"

"You—!"

Colsen's eyes went red.

Something in him snapped.

He stared at the woman he'd loved for years as jealousy, anger, and emotions he couldn't even name tore through him.

Then he grabbed her and kissed her.

Hard.

Nothing sweet about it.

Just angry and possessive.

Bella froze at first.

Then triumph flashed in her eyes.

Instead of pulling away, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

The balcony doors were frosted, hiding them from the party.

But Elise stood at just the right angle to see through a gap.

She saw everything.

Colsen kissing Bella.

Bella's arms around his neck.

The two of them completely lost in each other.

Elise felt nothing.

Just numb disbelief at how ridiculous it all was.

The kiss went on until they were both out of breath.

Then Colsen suddenly shoved Bella away, like he'd snapped out of it.

He stared at her red lips and dazed expression.

Panic hit him.

Then disgust with himself.

"Sorry." He looked away, his voice rough. "I... I drank too much.

"I thought you were Elise."

Bella clearly didn't buy it.

She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, her voice shaky.

"You've never loved Elise. How could you possibly mistake me for her? Stop lying to yourself, Colsen. You still love me. You can't let me go!"

She looked up at him.

"Can we stop doing this to each other? Divorce Elise and come back to me. I swear I won't be selfish like before. I'll love you. I'll be a good Mrs. Locke. Okay?"

'Divorce Elise? Get back together?'

The words hit Colsen like a punch.

He shoved Bella away like she'd burned him.

"What are you talking about? I'm not divorcing Elise!"

"Why? Because she's followed you around like a puppy for five years?" Bella snapped. "How long are you gonna keep running from how you really feel?

"If you seriously don't love me anymore, if you don't care about me at all, then I might as well die!"

She spun around and rushed for the edge of the balcony like she was actually going to jump.

"Bella! Are you crazy?!"

Colsen's face changed. He lunged for her.

Then the huge crystal chandelier overhead creaked.

And dropped.

Straight toward Bella.

"Watch out!"

Colsen's eyes went wide.

Without thinking, he threw himself over Bella and rolled them out of the way.

Crash!

The chandelier slammed into the floor, crystal exploding everywhere.

Several large shards sliced across Colsen's back.

Blood poured from the cuts, soaking his expensive suit.

"Colsen! Oh my God, you're bleeding!" Bella cried.

The crash sent everyone rushing over from the ballroom.

Instant chaos.

Someone called an ambulance while others crowded around to help.

Elise stood at the edge of it all, completely unmoved.

The whole thing just felt ridiculous.

She didn't go over.

Didn't ask if he was okay.

Didn't stay another second.

As ambulance sirens wailed outside, she quietly turned and walked away.

Chapter 7

Colsen was in the hospital.

Elise didn't visit.

She stayed home, living her life. Reading. Watching movies. Packing.

Then one evening, Tony, the butler, called.

"Mrs. Locke, can you come to the hospital?

"Mr. Locke's stomach is acting up again. He's in a lot of pain, and the meds aren't helping. He's sweating like crazy and won't let the nurses near him.

"You used to massage his stomach. That was the only thing that helped. We don't know what else to do."

Elise walked to the window and stared out at the rain-soaked city.

Rain hammered the glass like it was trying to drown the whole world.

When Tony finished, she calmly said, "It's raining too hard. I'm not going."

Silence.

"M-Mrs. Locke... what did you say?"

"I said it's pouring, and I don't wanna go out. I'm not coming tonight."

"But Mr. Locke—"

"I'm going to bed." Elise cut him off. "Good night."

She hung up, shut off her phone, and went to bed.

Everything else could stay outside.

***

The next day, Colsen checked out early and came home.

He was still pale.

When he saw Elise on the couch reading, he stopped for a second before walking over.

"Last night..." His voice was low. "Tony called you?"

"Yeah." Elise flipped a page without looking up.

"Why didn't you come?" Colsen held something back in his voice. "Before, no matter how bad the weather was, if I even said I wasn't feeling well, you'd come running."

Elise stopped.

Then she looked up at him, completely calm.

"You said it yourself. That was before." Her voice was soft, but the words hit hard. "People change."

Colsen opened his mouth.

Nothing came out.

'She's right. People change.

'Elise changed.'

He just didn't know when.

Or why.

And somehow, that bothered him more than it should.

He figured she was still pissed that he'd gotten hurt protecting Bella and was giving him the cold shoulder.

"In a few days, it's our anniversary," he said, trying to break the tension. "You always wanted to celebrate it properly, right? This year, I'll throw a party. Invite everyone. How's that?"

He watched her, waiting for something.

Anything.

Elise barely reacted.

"Whatever."

'Whatever.'

Again.

Colsen's irritation flared.

Still, he started planning the party.

He booked the most expensive hotel, hired the best planner, picked out a designer gown, and bought her insanely expensive jewelry.

The night of the party, Elise walked into the ballroom on his arm, wearing everything he'd chosen.

Heads turned.

"Elise is so lucky."

"Colsen treats her like a queen."

"I heard that necklace went for millions at auction."

Elise heard every word.

She just smiled politely.

Felt nothing.

Halfway through the party, she slipped out onto the balcony for some air.

A second later, footsteps came up behind her.

Bella.

"Why are you here?" Elise turned to her.

"Colsen invited me." Bella leaned against the railing. "He said it's your anniversary and wanted me here to see how happy you are."

She smiled. "So, Elise. Are you happy?"

Elise said nothing.

Bella stepped closer. "I know you're not. Colsen only has me in his heart. You're just some pathetic replacement. At my birthday party, he—"

"Bella." Elise cut her off, calm as ever. "You know what? You're exhausting."

Bella's face changed.

Elise met her eyes. "You're like a kid throwing a tantrum because she didn't get her way.

"Whatever happens between Colsen and me is none of your business.

"And someone who keeps dragging up the past and picking fights just to feel important?

"Not worth my energy."

Chapter 8

"You—!"

The pity in Elise's eyes pushed Bella over the edge.

Her gaze flicked to the low balcony railing behind Elise.

Then her face twisted.

"Go to hell!"

She shoved Elise with both hands.

Hard.

Elise lost her balance instantly.

As she tipped backward over the railing, instinct kicked in.

She reached out blindly—

And grabbed Bella's wrist before she could pull away.

"Ah!"

They both screamed.

Most of Elise's body was already over the edge.

The only thing keeping her up was her grip on Bella's wrist.

Bella had been dragged against the railing and was freaking out, clutching it with her free hand.

"Help! Colsen! Help me!"

Her screams brought everyone running out from the ballroom.

Colsen got there first.

The second he saw them, his face went white.

"Colsen! Save me! I'm gonna fall!" Bella sobbed, reaching for him with the hand she'd been using to hold on.

Colsen looked between them.

Elise, hanging there in silence, teeth clenched.

And Bella, crying for him to save her.

In that split second, Colsen barely hesitated.

He lunged forward and grabbed Bella's hand.

"Elise, hold on a little longer!" His voice shook as he looked down at her. "I'll pull Bella up first, then I'll get you!"

Elise looked at him.

Then she smiled.

And let go.

Her body dropped through the air, wind roaring past her ears.

Then—

Splash!

She slammed into the pool below.

Ice-cold water swallowed her whole.

Elise closed her eyes.

And blacked out.

***

When Elise woke up, she was back in her own bed.

Someone had changed her into clean pajamas and treated her injuries.

The room was empty.

She checked her phone.

A text from Colsen.

[Elise, Bella was really shaken, so I took her to the hospital. Get some rest. I'll explain everything when I get back. I'll make it up to you.]

'Make it up to me.

'Again.'

Elise stared at the message, almost laughing.

'When you really love someone, you shouldn't have to keep making things up to them.'

'Colsen, I don't love you anymore.

'I don't want anything from you.

'I just want this over.

'No ties. No looking back.

'Just gone.'

Elise's phone chimed again.

Another text.

This time, from the court clerk's office.

[Ms. Emery, your divorce from Colsen Locke is final. Please pick up a certified copy of the divorce decree from the clerk's office within three business days.]

'It's final.'

Elise stared at the message for a long moment.

Then she slowly exhaled.

Five years of hurt.

Pain.

Struggle.

Resentment.

She let it all go.

Elise got out of bed and finished packing.

There wasn't much left. Most of her stuff was already boxed up.

She tossed the last few clothes into her suitcase and zipped it shut.

Then she booked a flight to Europe.

Three o'clock that afternoon.

She dragged her suitcase downstairs.

Tony froze when he saw her.

"Mrs. Locke, are you..."

"I'm leaving. Thanks for taking care of me all these years."

"What?! But Mr. Locke—"

"We're divorced." Elise smiled. "Starting today, I'm not Mrs. Locke anymore."

She wheeled her suitcase out of the mansion and grabbed a cab to the courthouse.

When she got the divorce decree, she glanced down at it.

Her name.

Colsen's.

Side by side on the page.

Cold. Final.

'Good. It's finally over.'

She took another cab to the airport, checked in, and waited at her gate.

Her phone rang.

Colsen.

She ignored it.

He called again.

And again.

Elise shut off her phone.

The boarding call came over the speakers.

Elise stood, grabbed her suitcase, and headed for the gate.

As the plane took off, she watched the city shrink below.

For once, her heart felt completely calm.

'Goodbye, Colsen.

'Goodbye to the past.

'From now on, I'm choosing me.'

The plane climbed above the clouds.

Straight toward her new life.