The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan) novel Chapter 1

Love Story1–Chapter 1

That morning, I noticed our housekeeper’s lip was split.

Then my husband Ryan leaned over to kiss me.

I smiled and dodged playfully, but caught sight of the cluster of red marks across his

pllarbone.

Suddenly, my mind went blank as realization struck.

Those weren’t just marks they were hickeys and scratch marks..

The man I’d been married to for seven years was having an affair.

I kept smiling as I saw him off to work, kept smiling as I closed the door behind him.

Only when I turned away did my heart plummet into darkness.

After Ryan left, I felt my world spinning.

Outside, the sun blazed bright, but my heart felt gripped by an iron fist, leaving me gasping

for air.

From the living room came the sound of Emma, our housekeeper, humming as she cleaned,

Before, I might have found it pleasant. But now, all I could think about was her split lip and

the marks on Ryan’s neck.

My phone chimed.

Opening it, I saw messages from Ryan:

*Babe, made it to work!?

“Want anything special for dinner?”

“I’ll grab it on my way home?

nry) Chapter 1

“Why aren’t you responding, honey?*

My chest tightened. “Where are you?”

He caught the edge in my voice, concern entering his tone: “Still at the office working. What’s wrong? Did you forget your meds again?

After a pause, I asked: “Can you come home instead?”

“I can’t leave right now, baby. Be good, okay? I’ll head back as soon as I finish up here

“Okay, get back to work then. I fought to keep my voice steady.

“Sweet dreams, love. Don’t wait up for me…”

He was lying to me.

Love Story1 Chapter 1

How considerate of him to juggle his mistress while fielding his wife’s check–in call.

I hung up without responding.

Silent tears rolled down my face.