Chapter 9
The facility director brought Blake to the head table, introducing him as one of our major investors.
That’s when I learned Blake had liquidated all his company shares and invested everything in the research facility.
Throughout dinner, I kept feeling Blake’s eyes on me. I just kept my head down and focused on eating.
After dinner, I speed-walked toward the dorms, but someone grabbed my arm at the corner.
I sighed. What had to happen was finally happening.
I looked into Blake’s bloodshot eyes and said calmly, “What are you doing here?”
Blake stared at me like I might disappear any second.
“Meredith, I finally found you. Do you have ANY idea it took me three months just to track you down to this place? I had to donate my entire fortune before the director would even let me see you once.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving? I’ve been going crazy looking for you.”
I tried to break free from his grip, but he was holding too tight.
“I’m not Meredith Cross anymore, and I’m not your wife. You don’t need to find me.”
“Besides, Sloane should’ve had the baby by now, right? You should get back to them.”
Blake got agitated immediately, his eyes full of regret.
“I know I screwed up, babe. I never should’ve gotten involved with Sloane.”
“I had people get rid of the baby, and she’ll never bother you again. Come home with me, okay?”
I frowned. I couldn’t believe Blake had been heartless enough to kill his own child.
Now I was starting to wonder if I’d ever really known him during those ten years together.
“Blake, from the moment I found out you got married, we were DONE.”
“I don’t know how you tracked me down, but didn’t wiping my records make it clear enough? I don’t want ANY connection to you-not even having you listed as my ex-husband on some divorce paper.”
Blake looked devastated, stumbling backward and almost falling as his grip loosened, his eyes pleading.
“But I really learned my lesson. This was my first mistake-can’t you forgive me just once? I swear there’ll never be another
woman.”
I took the chance to break free and backed away from him.
“You cheated-we’re over. Forever.”
“As far as I’m concerned, you don’t exist anymore. I will NEVER forgive you.”
Blake tried to say something else, but facility security came over to tell him his time was up and he had to leave.
Chapter
I felt relieved and turned to head back to my dorm.
Just as I was about to walk through the entrance, I heard a desperate shout behind me.
“Meredith!”
“If I hadn’t cheated-or if I’d ended things with Sloane in time-would you not have left me?”
I paused for a second, then walked into the dorm like I hadn’t heard anything.
After all, there are no “what ifs” in this world.
