After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage novel Chapter 48

Luke stared at me, caught off guard by my reaction.

"Those photos... Mandy was exhausted from trying on dresses, so I just helped out. It's not what you're thinking. You know about her brother. I promised him I'd watch over her. I just wanted to see how the dresses looked on her."

I listened silently, seeing no point in challenging his flimsy excuses.

Mandy's brother, John, had been one of Luke's closest friends.

Back then, Luke was struggling to launch his business, facing countless obstacles.

John had brought him a USB drive, but never made it home – a car accident took his life.

By the time they rushed him to the hospital, nothing could be done.

With his last breath, he'd made Luke swear to look after Mandy.

And Luke had honored that promise with remarkable dedication.

It started innocently enough – occasional check-ins that evolved into deep involvement in every aspect of her life.

I inhaled sharply, knowing that in a matter of days, I'd be gone.

No reason to hold anything back now.

"Don't worry about any misunderstandings. Actually, I think you and Mandy would make a perfect couple—"

The crack of Luke's palm against my cheek echoed through the room.

"What's wrong with you? Mandy sees me as her brother. Unlike you, she's not some cheap slut who throws herself at men."

My cheek burned where he'd struck me.

"Luke, I had a nightmare about my brother... I feel awful..."

"I'll be right there." Luke's voice filled with urgent concern.

He threw on clothes hastily, rushing toward the door.

At the threshold, he paused, as if remembering something.

"What were you about to say?"

But the moment had passed, and I'd retreated back into my shell.

"Nothing important. We can discuss it later."