Filed To Story: The Broken-Hearted She and The Icy He Book PDF Free
There was no way she would destroy what they buried under the tree.
“John.”
Andy called his name gently, noticing how ashen his face had become.
But John ignored him completely.
He clutched the bracelet tightly in his hand and bolted out of the room.
Technically, he could just go back to their old house to check. He’d know right away whether the silk tree offering was still there.
But the truth was, even someone as iron-willed as John could be afraid.
Right now, he was too scared to find out.
John kept chanting the same lie to himself, over and over again-Lily would never leave him. He’d recovered the silver bracelet he had made for her with his own hands. Once he returned it to her wrist, she would surely return to him.
Before he knew it, his car had pulled up outside the Luke family estate.
He was about to roll down his window and tell the guards to open the gate when his phone rang-loud and sharp, like a siren.
The call was from the hospital.
Elsa had attempted suicide by swallowing pills,
She had pulled this stunt before.
The last time, he’d been frantic with worry.
But this time… a wave of weariness, even disgust, rose in his chest.
He hadn’t expected taking care of Elsa, walking with her through her final stretch of life, would come with so much drama.
And he certainly hadn’t expected Lily to completely misread him, even try to leave him.
Still, he owed Elsa for what happened four years ago. She didn’t have long to live. He couldn’t bring himself to abandon her-not yet. So, he turned the car around and headed for the hospital.
After James carried Lily into the car, she immediately pressed herself up against the door, putting space between them.
The truth was, she missed the warmth of his arms already.
When he carried her downstairs, part of her had secretly hoped the walk would never end-that he’d carry her just a little longer.
But every road, no matter how long, had an end. Sooner or later, she had to wake up from this fantasy and face reality.
Thinking back to what she’d said earlier-claiming she dreamed of being his wife just to make John back off-she quickly clarified, “James, don’t get the wrong idea. I didn’t mean what I said about wanting to be wife. I just wanted to keep John from pestering me. I promised I’d go with you to finalize the divor I meant it.” your
“Mm.”
James glanced at the now-empty seat beside him and gave a quiet, emotionless reply.
“I really appreciate what you did tonight,” she said. “If you hadn’t stepped in… I don’t even want to think about it. Anyway, you don’t need to worry-I’m not going to cling to you or cause you trouble.”
“Mm.” His eyes briefly swept over her, cool and unreadable,
His gaze dropped again, falling on the red marks around her neck. The sight irritated him.
And John’s words from earlier kept echoing in his mind-how Lily had broken three ribs working to raise money for his surgery.
Didn’t it hurt?
Was it worth it? in
Something twisted chest, a dull ache that wouldn’t go away. Maybe that discomfort was what made him ask, without thinking, “Did you… used to really like John?”
Huh?
Lily hadn’t expected him to ask something like that.
But she quickly realized he probably wasn’t asking out of personal curiosity. More likely, he just thought she had terrible taste in men-chasing after someone as irrational and violent as John-and didn’t want her making the same mistake twice.
She couldn’t argue with that. She had been incredibly blind.
After a pause, she answered honestly. “Back then, I guess I was just really desperate for warmth. He reached out when I needed help, and I convinced myself he was my salvation. I did like him-a lot. I used to imagine our future together, hoped we’d grow old side by side. Even when it was one-sided, I still didn’t want to let go. But eventually, I realized that kind of love-clinging to someone like that-wasn’t healthy. Love should be mutual. If it’s not, it won’t last. So I let go.”
“Mm.” James could tell she’d given up on John completely. She wasn’t the type to go back to a man who’d failed her like that.
He knew their marriage was destined to end. There was no point getting involved in each other’s lives.
And yet, the thought of her breaking three ribs-for someone like John-still stuck in his mind like a splinter under the skin.
He found himself asking again, “Your ribs…?”
“They healed a long time ago.”
Lily didn’t want to talk about those ribs.
Every time she remembered them, she felt like her brain must’ve been full of water back then.
She couldn’t believe how far she’d gone for someone who never really cared. Rolling her eyes at herself, she gave a bitter laugh. “I was out of my damn mind. I kept bending over backward for John and just ended up physically and emotionally wrecked. But I guess that failed relationship taught me something. You’ve got to love yourself first James, same goes for you. When you meet someone you really like, be good to her but don’t forget to take care of yourself too. If we learn how to love ourselves, even if someone lets us down, we can still walk into the light.”
James didn’t fully agree with her.
He hoped Lily would love herself more in future relationships-never again give herself away to someone who wouldn’t treasure her.
And when he Imally met Leila and confirmed she was the one, he would give her everything.
He would live for her. Die for her. Without regret.
But he and Lily were just a couple on paper, soon to be divorced. There was no need to explain his beliefs.
So, he just said coldly, “Mm.”
A Quiet Line Crossed
A Quiet Line Crossed
After a moment’s pause, James added blandly, “When you’re with that old classmate of yours, make sure you don’t let yourself get taken advantage of”
The second she heard him mention that so-called old classmate-who didn’t even exist-Lily’s heart skipped a beat.
She figured he probably just wanted her and that imaginary guy to get together as soon as possible. That way. Henry might finally approve the divorce, and James would be free.
He’d already done so much for her tonight. She definitely owed him a bit of reassurance. Without missing a beat, she said, “Don’t worry, we’re doing great. We’re really in love. He’s such a good person-kind and caring. I feel really happy when I’m with him. Honestly… we might even get married after we finalize the divorce. And when that happens, you’re invited.”
She turned toward the front seat and tacked on, out of politeness, “You too, Ashton. You’ll both have to come to the wedding.”
“Mm.”
James knew Lily had been getting along well with her supposed old classmate, but he hadn’t expected things to have progressed to the point of marriage.
He’d been wishing she’d settle down quickly with someone else.
But for some reason, hearing her say it aloud didn’t bring the relief he’d expected.
Instead, a strange discomfort stirred inside him. And, just like that, he didn’t feel like talking anymore.
He didn’t look at her again, simply turned his face toward the window and stared silently at the traffic streaming by.
Ashton, meanwhile, was about ready to drop dead from the shock.
He and the boss were supposed to go to Madam’s wedding?
Wouldn’t that be like personally attending the crowning ceremony of the man cuckolding his boss?
And the boss seemed kind of into it?
Ashton remembered what Henry had told him-about how the boss liked men.
Mr. Luke had given countless stern warnings, urging him to keep an eye on things and never let the boss get caught up with any sketchy guy!
He probably hoped the boss could straighten out and live a peaceful life with Madam.
But the boss only wanted to toast at Madam’s wedding to another man.
And on top of that, the boss had asked Ashton to prep all the gear for a camping trip tomorrow-complete- with barbecuing-with that other man..
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.