Chapter 15 - Walking Away
I watched as the crushing weight of guilt finally settled onto Chloe's shoulders.
She tried to stammer out an apology, but the words choked in her throat.
I held up my hand to stop her before she could offer any empty excuses.
I told her I did not want her apologies, and I did not want her guilt.
I just wanted her to take the trust fund paperwork and disappear from my life forever.
I told her to raise the child well and to never, ever lie to them about who their father really was.
With that final statement, I stood up from the small table and grabbed my cane.
I walked out of the coffee shop without ever looking back at her.
The crisp afternoon air hit my face, and for the first time in months, it felt refreshing.
I had systematically dismantled the toxic legacy that Mark had left behind.
I had secured my own financial future and protected my home from the bank.
I had also ensured that Mark's child would have a chance at a decent life.
My father was waiting for me in his truck parked across the street.
May you like
He took one look at my face and knew that the war was finally over.
We drove home in a comfortable, peaceful silence.
