As we approached the exit, the burden of my secret pressed down on me, making each step feel like a monumental effort.I wanted nothing more than to curl up in Carter's arms and tell him everything, but I was too scared.
“Let's get you home,” he said.“I'm sure Pete misses his mom.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CARTER
I slammedon the brakes as I took in the chaotic scene unfolding on Olivia's front lawn.Wick and Ethan were locked in a vicious struggle, fists flying as they grappled on the grass.Olivia's neighbor waved her arms frantically and yelled at them to stop.Pete's insistent barking from the porch only added to the ruckus.
“Jesus Christ,” I muttered, throwing the car into park and yanking the keys from the ignition.
Olivia gasped beside me, her face white with shock.“Oh my God, what are they doing?”
“Stay in the car.”
I didn't wait for her to respond before I was out of the car, sprinting towards the brawling men.Wick had Ethan pinned to the ground, raining blows down on his face.Blood streaked Ethan's chin, his lip split and swollen.
“Wick!Stop!”I shouted, grabbing his shoulder and trying to pull him off.
He shrugged me off, snarling, “This asshole deserves everything he gets!”
Ethan bucked beneath him, managing to land a solid punch to Wick's jaw.I cursed, diving in to wrap my arms around Wick's chest and haul him backwards.We tumbled onto the grass, Wick thrashing against my grip.
“Let me go, Carter!I'm not finished with that piece of shit!”
I tightened my hold, gritting my teeth as Wick's elbow caught me in the ribs.“Enough!This isn't helping anyone!”
Ethan staggered to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth with the back of his hand.“You're all fucking insane,” he spat.
“Get the hell out of here,” I snapped.“Now.Before I let him go.”
Ethan's gaze shifted past me, and I knew without looking that Olivia must have gotten out of the car.His expression twisted with pain and anger.“Liv, please.Let's just go inside and talk.We can fix this.”
I held my breath as I waited for Olivia's response.The silence stretched, broken only by Pete's continued barking and Wick's ragged breathing against my chest.
“No, Ethan.”Olivia's voice was soft but firm.“There's nothing left to fix.”
I almost passed out with relief, but I didn't dare loosen my grip on Wick.Ethan's face crumpled.
“You don't mean that,” he insisted.“We've been through too much together.You can't just throw it all away!”
Wick tensed in my arms, ready to lunge again.I tightened my hold, clenching my jaw as I fought the impulse to turn and look at Olivia.Something was off about her, had been since the hospital.The fear that she might change her mind, might choose Ethan after all, gnawed at my gut.
“It's over, Ethan,” Olivia said, her voice stronger now.“I want a divorce.”
Ethan's gaze darted between us, his fists clenching at his sides.For a moment, I thought he might try to push past us to get to her.But then his shoulders slumped, defeat written in every line of his body.
I released my hold on Wick, keeping a wary eye on Ethan as he backed away, his gaze still fixed on Olivia.
“This isn't over,” Ethan muttered, stumbling towards his car.
Wick surged forward, but I grabbed his arm.“Let him go.”
We watched Ethan peel out of the driveway, tires squealing against the pavement.Only when his taillights disappeared around the corner did I turn to Olivia.
She stood frozen on the lawn, hugging herself.The mask of strength she'd worn moments ago had crumbled, leaving her looking small and frightened.
I took a step towards her, aching to pull her into my arms, but something made me hesitate.“Olivia?”
