AllFreeNovel
Share Us
William’s brows furrowed, and he looked like he was fighting an internal battle, his eyes flashing with pain one moment, then determination the next. He seemed to have come to a decision when he sighed in resignation. “If this is really what you want, then of course I’ll support you.”
My shoulders slumped, and I released the tight grip I had on the fabric of my dress. “Thank you. I know this isn’t what we planned.”
William stood up, taking my hand to help me do the same. “I never wanted you to feel trapped. I hope you know that. I want you to be happy. To live your life the way you want to.”
“Your future is with Ciel. There’s no room for a wife.”
He audibly sucked in a breath, and I knew he was gearing up to tell me how wrong I was. I stopped him before he got the first word out. “Don’t tell me I’m wrong. I know you care for me and want to support me. And I want to do the same for you. And I’m telling you that you need to treat Ciel like the treasure he is. He stood by your side all these years, despite knowing he could never so much as hold your hand in public. Now it’s time to make sure he knows how much he means to you.”
And it was time for me to show Archer how much he meant to me.
William crushed me to his chest. “Finding you has been one of my greatest accomplishments.”
“You’re the best person I know. You saved my life. Now I have to live it.”
He walked next to me up the stairs, holding my hand. After kissing my head, he disappeared down the hallway to the left, and I went right. My room had always been my sanctuary, but after finally deciding to leave, I couldn’t wait to move out.
I dropped my clothes on the floor, vowing to pick them up tomorrow. After washing my face and moisturizing for the first time in a week, I took off my bra and put Archer’s T-shirt back on.
Once I was buried under my blankets, I texted Everleigh. She’d been there for me the last few weeks. It wasn’t the first time I was texting her this late.
Me: Are you still awake?
Ever: Still can’t sleep?
Me: Insomnia has become my new normal.
Ever: I wish I could help.
ME: There is something…
Ever: Anything!!
Me: Do you mind if I moved into your guest room for a few weeks?
Ever: OF COURSE!!! But is everything okay?
Me: I’m divorcing William and moving out.
My phone rang, showing Everleigh’s name.
“Hey, bestie,” I greeted her.
“Are you serious?” she screeched. “You’re getting a divorce? Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything. It’s time.”
“Whoa, okay. All right.”
Turning on my side, I watched the moon cast an eerie glow over the water. I’d miss this view. “I can’t stay here anymore.”
“I’m 100 percent here for you. And you can stay with us for as long as you want. The house is enormous. And Lucius just finished the guesthouse.”
Everleigh and Lucius had recently purchased a house in Pine Valley. After living in a tiny apartment for the first year they were together, they now had more room than they knew what to do with.
The house was on ten acres, and there was a stable and small orchard.
“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. And I’ll make myself useful. Free babysitting. And I’ll cook every night.”
