Chapter 74
RAINA
The ride home was unbearably quiet. My hands clenched in my lap, and my jaw ached from holding back the tears that refused to fall. I was too angry to cry. Too furious at Alex. All this time–years of agony–and I had been married to him? To the man who shattered my life? Why would he do this? Why would be play God with my life like it was some game?
Hate wasn’t a strong enough word for what I fel
As soon as we pulled into the driveway, I pushed the car door open and stormed toward the house. My grandparents stood by the door, balloons in hand, their faces lighting up at the sight of me.
That was when the dam finally broke.
Tears streamed down my face, and I choked back a sob as I ran past them. I would’ve made it to my room if my grandfather’s voice hadn’t stopped me
“Where’s Lian?” he asked, his tone laced with concem
I froze, my back to them, swallowing the lump in my throat “Liam Liam won’t be staying with us. Not yet.”
The words tasted bitter, and my voice cracked as I spoke. I heard Dominic telling Ave to head upstairs and play. My little girl hesitated, walking over to me instead. She rugged at my hand, her big, hopeful eyes looking up at me.
“Don’tery, Mommy,” she said softly. “Liars will be home soon!
I tried to smile for her, nodding even though every fiber of my being screamed otherwise. I wanted to believe those words but it was too obvious that Alex would make it impossible for me. She gave me a quick hug before scampering upstairs, her laughter echoing faintly
Once dra was out of sight, Domini spoke up. His voice was steady but tinged with anger. “When we got to the hospital, Liam was gone. Alex had taken him. And that’s when we found out Reina. that Rana was still married to him.”
My
Hearing it out lood again made me crumble. The weight of everything crashed down, and a sob ripped through my chest as I sank to my grandmother was at my side in seconds, her hands warm and steady as she helped me up. She whispered soothing words, guiding me to the couch.
“Why is this happening to me?” asked no one in particular, my voice broken
My grandfather paced the room, his anger barely contained. “That damn Sullivan boy.” His voice trailed off, and Dominic stepped in, histone firm.
“Calm down, Grandpa,” he said. “Mind your heart.
Dominic explained everything Alex had said, but my mind kept circling back to one thing–Alex wanted me back. Why? Why now, when my life was finally starting to make sense? Why not years ago, when I was desperate for him to come back? Why did he have to ruin things? And Nathen… What would he think of me now? Would he still want , knowing I’m still married?
My grandmother stroked my hair, her words soft and comforting, but they did little to ease the ache in my chest. After some time, my grandfather stopped pacing and turned to Dominic.
*Is there anything we can do to make Alex submit to a divorce?” he asked, his voice sharp with determination
Dominic sighed. “The Vince Project is still on. We could kick him off, but I doubt that stop him Our best bet is the court. A different one, maybe in another state. The state attorney is a friend of the Sullivans.”
The old man nodded. “I’ll speak to a friend of mine and get the best lawyer on this. Raina, you have nothing to worry about.”
I wanted to believe him, but I couldn’t shake the weight in my chest. “I have a lot to worry about,” Linuttered under my breath.
I headed upstairs, my feet heavy with exhaustion. Once in my room, I stared at my phone. I needed to talk to someone who wasn’t family. Someone who didn’t know Alex. I needed Nathan. But if he heard me crying, he’d rush over, and then he’d find out everything I wasn’t ready for that. Not yet.
Sleep eluded me again that night. Morning came too quickly, and as I got ready, Grandpa met me in the hallway.
“I’ve found a lawyer,” he said. “Before the day’s out, Alex will be served the court order”
Bellet washed over me, and I nodded. “What about Ava?” I asked.
“She’s already gone to school,” he replied
As I headed for the door, Nathan was waiting outside. My heart raced at the sight of him. He was leaning casually against his car, his gaze locked on mine.
