I Signed Away Eight Million To Leave Him Chapter 19
The sunset lay across the water as Eli bought us two lemon sodas. Leaning against his shoulder, I scrolled deep into my photo album.
There was still an old picture of Graham and me there.
In it, we stood beside the swing on the estate beach, two kids believing one promise could hold back the world.
I deleted it.
Then I emptied the trash.
Eli never glanced at my screen. He only asked, “Ready to go home?”
I squeezed his hand.
“Let’s go home.”
That night, the public records site for Pinellas County updated.
Mara Ellis and Eli Torres—marital status effective as of today.
…
By the time the wedding ceremony ended, applause filled the ballroom.
Graham kissed Sloane, but his gaze slid over her shoulder, landing once more on the tightly closed doors.
Mara hadn’t come.
When they exchanged rings, he waited.
When the officiant asked if anyone objected, he waited.
Even after signing the marriage certificate, he still believed I would appear at the last possible moment.
I had loved him that much. How could I stand by and watch him marry someone else?
Maybe I was outside the hotel.
Maybe I just wanted him to taste a little fear first.
Sloane looped her arm through his and reminded him, “It’s time for the toast.”
Graham lifted his glass perfunctorily.
Camera flashes popped around them. Guests came up to offer congratulations. Sloane stood by his side with a flawless smile, while his eyes kept darting toward the entrance.