I’ve sold our holiday home, I’ve sold all of our shares. Everything that Wade and I accumulated in our time together is gone.
And now to keep the man I love, I’m expected to hand his children over as well.
That’s an unfair request. Surely Tristan must know that. How can he not see my point?
I feel like there’s this big black cloud hanging over me and that I’ll never truly be happy.
I must have been bad in my last life, because I feel like I’m being punished for something. I’ve loved two men in my life. One I lost to death.
The other . . .
I rest my hand under my chin and stare into space, wondering if I could have handled yesterday better.
There’s no question I could have.
But . . . I stand by what I said. I don’t want anyone to adopt my boys. I won’t give over that power to someone else.
Even if that someone is the love of my life. It’s not just Tristan—this isn’t personal. This is sensible.
They are Wade’s sons. They will always be Wade’s sons.
My every instinct is telling me this is something that I should never do.
Always trust your gut.
A message comes through on my phone. It’s from Tristan.
Can we talk?
Relief fills me. I write back.
Please.
He replies.
Our hotel,
1pm.
I smile, hopeful.
See you then.
I love you.
xoxox
At one o’clock I hold my breath as I walk into the foyer of our hotel. We’ve been here many times before. Always in excitement.
Today it’s in dread.
Tristan stands over near the elevator, and my stomach flutters when I see him wearing his power suit and standing the way he does, straight and proud.
I know that if he really wants something, it’s nonnegotiable.
“Hi.” I smile.
“Hello.” He dips his head, and in that moment fear runs through me.