After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage novel Chapter 24

Elaine stared at the text message lighting up her phone:[Elaine, we know our son screwed up royally and broke your heart. But he's in a really bad way right now. Could you please come see him? Just once. Please.]

No name, but she instantly knew who it was from: Alistair's parents.

The Chases and Faerwyns used to be country club buddies until everything went south three years ago. When Faerwyn Industries was circling the drain, Alistair had swooped in with his marriage-for-bailout deal, throwing millions at her family's company. His parents had written it off as their son's worst investment ever.

Then when Alistair kept his playboy routine going despite having a wife, his parents embarrassed by their son's tabloid exploits, her father disgusted by how they all treated his daughter.

This text was the first time they'd reached out since the divorce papers were signed.

But what did "really bad way" actually mean?

She stared at those words way longer than she should have.

The city was decked out in holiday lights and decorations as Elaine drove to the address they'd sent. She found herself hesitating outside a hospital room door.

Before she could knock, the door swung open from inside.

Vivian stood there holding a basin of water, then just stepped aside without a word.Elaine walked in. The figure in the bed was half-asleep but shifted at the sound of footsteps.

"That was quick," he mumbled, turning his head.

She glanced at the IV in his arm. "So what's the deal?" she asked, like she was inquiring about the weather.

He opened his mouth but nothing came out.

"He's destroying himself because of you," Vivian said from behind them.

"After meeting you at that café, he locked himself in his penthouse. Wouldn't take calls, not even from the board. His parents finally broke the door down after days of no contact. Found him passed out surrounded by empty bottles. No eaten,just booze."

"Doctor says his liver has permanent damage."