Page 164 of The Substitute Fiancée

“It’s time for this to end.”

The mask of superiority on Christelle’s face begins to crack.

“So you hate me that much?”

Sam holds her gaze for a long moment.

“No.”

A slight pause.

“I’m choosing myself.”

And that is more brutal than any insult.

I step in as well.

“From now on, any attempt to contact us will go through our attorneys. We will be seeking a restraining order.”

At last, Christelle understands.

This is no longer a family quarrel.

It’s the consequence of her actions.

She takes a step back. Then another.

Her friends exchange an uneasy glance… and edge away from her.

Her downfall has already begun.

She leaves the restaurant without looking back.

This time, it isn’t a dramatic exit.

It’s a retreat.

The summons arrived three weeks later.

Christelle never tried to contact us again.

And for the first time in a long while, the silence was no longer a threat.

It was peace.

*

Saturday morning, I wake Sam by making love to her gently. Her sleepy moans turn into sighs of pleasure as my touch slowly pulls her back to consciousness.

“I think I could get used to this,” she murmurs afterward, curled against me, the sheets tangled around us.

There’s no better moment.

“Come live with me,” I say softly.

She lifts herself slightly, studying my face as if weighing my sincerity.

“Are you sure?” she asks. “Isn’t this a little fast?”