Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 14

Seven years of her life, drained away.

James floundered, then his eyes lit up, like he'd found a way out.

"This is about Lily, isn't it? You're jealous."

He grabbed her again, his voice pleading.

"Look, I won't see her again, okay? I messed up. I won't do it again."

His arms wrapped around her.

"Emily, don't leave me. You're the only one I love. I swear."

Love.

Coming from his mouth, it was a joke.

She didn't waste another second.

She shoved him off and snapped her suitcase shut.

"When you're ready to be an adult, we'll talk."

She pulled her suitcase toward the door.

James' face twisted with rage.

"You walk out that door, don't ever come back."

Perfect.

No more gaslighting.

No more walking on eggshells. No more him.

She turned back, smiling.

"Deal."

James felt it then.

Like an icy wind had ripped straight through his chest.

But his pride wouldn't let him say the words that might make her stay.

So he just stood there, frozen, as Emily walked out of his life.

The first thing Emily did after leaving James?

Call Susan.

Back in college, they weren't just best friends—they were partners in crime, building AI models before the rest of the world caught up.

They were unstoppable.

Until Emily gave it all up for James.

Biggest mistake of her life.

Love fades. Work? Success? Money?

Those never betray you.

When Susan saw her, she smirked.

"Well, well. Look who's back."

"Decided to slum it with us corporate grunts?"

Emily laughed.

"I'm getting a divorce."

Susan's jaw dropped.

She'd seen James and Emily's love story from the beginning.

She'd even supported Emily when she left their AI project to play housewife.

Now this?

"You're kidding."