After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage novel Chapter 99

The staff member nodded and quickly disappeared to handle the unwanted gifts.

When Elijah discovered his presents had been returned, he didn't miss a beat—he simply had more delivered.

Just when Lucas thought these gifts would only reach their front gate, Elijah upped the ante by showing up at a social event, gift in hand.

The gala was hosted by old friends of the Hayes family and marked Gloria's first appearance in high society as Lucas's future wife.

She wore a striking red dress that perfectly matched the crimson accent in Lucas's tailored suit. The enormous ruby on her finger—Lucas's gift for her twenty-fifth birthday—had everyone talking.

From the moment she entered on Lucas's arm, all eyes were drawn to her.

Including Elijah's, as he lurked in a corner.

Watching her laugh in the center of an admiring crowd, a wave of regret washed over him.

He could barely remember when he'd last seen Gloria genuinely smile. Before everything fell apart, her laughter had come so easily.

Her joy had been contagious—no matter how terrible his day, her smile would instantly improve his mood.

But after he'd dismissed her feelings and chosen Jenna, her smiles around him had become rare and guarded.

His grip tightened on the gift box until the packaging nearly crushed between his fingers.

As the guests of honor, people lined up to offer congratulations and presents to the couple.

Finally, Elijah made his move toward them.

Before he could get within ten feet, Lucas smoothly escorted Gloria toward the VIP area upstairs.

"Gloria!" Elijah called after her, trying to follow.

Two security personnel immediately blocked his path while the Hayes family's head of security stepped in front of him.

Upstairs in the private lounge, Lucas held Gloria close, trying to ease her tension.

Had he known Elijah would crash the party, he never would have brought her. At minimum, he would have had security intercept him at the door.

But Elijah seemed hellbent on winning Gloria back. He'd even put his business empire on autopilot and bought property in London for the pursuit.

Lucas could have handled the situation more permanently if he'd wanted to.

But Elijah had been Gloria's guardian for years. That connection, however toxic it had become, meant Lucas couldn't simply remove the problem without considering the consequences.

This was exactly why Gloria's father had advised letting Elijah be. Better to consider the ledger balanced, with no debts remaining on either side.

Gloria could feel Lucas's tension but found herself equally speechless. She simply interlaced her fingers with his.

They sat together in comfortable silence as fireworks illuminated the night sky outside.