Chapter 24
He paused, then spoke more deliberately, “If I divorce her now, the rumors would destroy Esther. And after the scan- dal we just had? My family wouldn’t let her off the hook.”
Lottie let out a silent laugh.
She’d always known the reason.
But hearing it from his own mouth still stung more than she’d like to admit.
“I promised I’d protect her for the rest of my life,” Nigel said.
“… That stupid promise from when you were kids?” the other voice scoffed. “Dude, you met her once when you were little. Are you even sure she’s the same girl? Whatever-see you tonight, same spot?”
Nigel replied calmly, “Not tonight. I’m sitting this one out.”
“What, spending it with Esther for her birthday?”
“No-with Lottie. I checked with her doctor-she specifically asked to be discharged today. I’m guessing it’s because she wanted to celebrate my birthday. I’m heading to pick her up now.”
His voice softened, just a touch. “She even bought me a gift ahead of time. Tonight…”
Lottie didn’t wait to hear the rest.
Nancy’s car was already pulling up just outside the elevator.
Without hesitation, she turned and walked away.
She wasn’t going home with him. Not this time.
Tonight, the only one opening that gift-and the divorce papers inside it-would be Nigel.
That house she once thought of as a home? It was nothing more than a cover, a mask.
A disguise for all the things Nigel didn’t have the courage to admit.
And once he unwrapped that gift, he’d finally understand: She didn’t want him anymore.
As Lottie got into the car, Nancy motioned to the backseat. “I picked up your stuff from Corinne. Double-check that nothing’s missing.”
One suitcase. One backpack.
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Chapter 24
Lottie unzipped the backpack, glanced through it.
Her ID, documents, everything she needed-neatly packed.
She shook her head. “Everything’s here. Let’s head to the airport.”
“Got it.”
Nancy tapped the gas, and the car began to roll forward.
On impulse, Lottie glanced back toward the stairwell.
Just as Nigel stepped out, phone call over.
He was still tall, still poised. Still looked like the gentle, polished man she once knew.
Nancy noticed her look. “What are you staring at?”
“Nothing.”
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As the car pulled out of the underground lot, morning light streamed through the windshield. Lottie smiled faintly. “Beautiful day today.”
“Yeah,” Nancy agreed. “First time the sun’s been out in days.”
No one could resist a winter morning like this. Nancy glanced sideways at her and raised an eyebrow. “We’ve traveled abroad so many times, and I’ve never seen you in such a good mood. What’s different this time?”
“Nancy.”
Lottie rolled the window down, slipped off the wedding ring from her finger, and tossed it out into the wind.
“This time’s different.”
This time-
She was leaving as Mrs. Mathis family. A human shield.
But when she came back?
She’d just be Lottie.
Just Lottie.
Lottie arrived at the boarding gate and spotted Alan right away.
He was dressed in smart, casual clothes-clean lines, effortless style. Tall and poised, with striking features, he looked every bit the picture of calm confidence.
He was scanning the crowd too. Their eyes met at just the right moment.
Even after all these years of knowing her, Alan still paused when he saw her barefaced. Something close to admira-
tion flickered across his eyes. He walked over, took her backpack without a word.
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His gaze lingered briefly on her delicate, doll-like face before the doctor in him kicked in. “Didn’t get much sleep at the hospital, did you?”
“A bit rough.”
A couple of nights ago, a sweet older lady with a broken leg had been moved into her room. Lovely woman. Incredi- bly loud snorer.
Once Lottie boarded, she noticed her seat had been changed-upgraded to first class.
