Page 140 of Angel

Roxy’s absence was so palpable that an acute itch surfaced from deep within me, tempting me to finish the whiskey bottle off or find relief in drugs to numb the pain.

No, I told myself, clenching my fists. I would not break down over this.

I moved into the living room, turned on a mindless TV show, and lay on the sofa, my heart and mind churning, replaying every moment of our marriage.

I even dug out my phone and scrolled through the photos we took in Capri, tracing the images, realizing, despite being jilted, how happy and carefree I was then with Roxy.

I fell into restless naps only to wake half an hour later, with her name on my lips.

Damn you, Roxy, where are you?

When dawn’s light finally filtered through the oak trees, I forced my weary, shaky body to stand.

Prowling into the kitchen, I whipped up a massive plate of eggs.

After eating, I dragged the gas mower out of the garage shed.

I spent three hours shredding the backyard turf, using the roar of the engine to drown out the living hell inside my soul.

Chapter 27

ROXY

Idrove for half an hour, under a cloudy, rainy night sky, to escape Nashville until the city became a distant blip.

My destination was a rustic farmhouse by a lake that my mother and I inherited from my maternal grandmother, Tabitha.

Elsa used it for part-time rentals, so I called her to check whether it was booked.

‘Mum, I need to get away for a bit to Hazelwood,’ I told her when she picked up.

‘Of course, honey. We don’t have anyone renting it at the moment; it’s free for a couple of months. Everything alright?’

‘I’m OK, look I’ll call you when I settle in.’

I also added that if Angel contacted her, she was to insist that I was fine and safe, not to worry, and not to come looking after me.

Kudos to my mother; she never asked for an explanation.

She’d learned with me to wait until I chose to tell her more.

I rang off, and in a few minutes I turned into the winding driveway.

It was a stunning estate, tucked away in the gorgeous community of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, and close to boutique shops, local food spots, and fantastic architecture.

The property offered the ultimate in country serenity.

It sat on a solid twenty acres with its own small private lake surrounded by rolling hills, mature hardwood forests, and lush meadows.

The lodge blended sophisticated modern finishes and luxury with log-cabin charm.

Inside, a massive stone hearth sat at the center of the whole space.

Five bedrooms, including a dreamy primary retreat, branched off the hallway, each well appointed with beautiful modern oak furniture.

The home also featured two luxe guest suites and a versatile studio space, perfect for music, art, or working from home.

Outside the windows, undulating green fields stretched toward the smoky blue ridges on the horizon.