After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage novel Chapter 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 came simultaneously:

"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 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? Let me drive you back," Atticus offered.

She nodded with a smile, giving him an address. "Thanks, I'd appreciate that."