Chapter 9 - THE BRIDE WHO REFUSED TO RUN
I moved into Claire's apartment.
The police continued investigating Ethan.
Vincent's attorney provided the records we'd requested.
For several days, I heard nothing from Vincent.
No calls.
No messages.
No flowers.
I told myself I was relieved.
And I was.
Mostly.
Then Ethan called.
I stared at the screen.
For a moment, I couldn't move.
I answered.
“Hello?”
“Nora.”
His voice was familiar.
Too familiar.
I swallowed.
“Ethan.”
He hesitated.
“I need to talk to you.”
I laughed bitterly.
“Four years together, and now you want to talk?”
He exhaled.
“It's complicated.”
I closed my eyes.
“Then explain.”
He swallowed.
“I got involved with people I shouldn't have.”
I stared.
“Alby?”
Silence.
My stomach tightened.
Ethan continued.
“I didn't know how to get out.”
I looked down.
“Why did you leave me?”
His voice broke.
“Because they knew about you.”
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Ethan continued.
“I thought if I left, they'd leave you alone.”
I swallowed.
“And did they?”
Silence.
Then he whispered:
“No.”
I closed my eyes.
Ethan asked me to meet him.
I refused.
Instead, I told him to contact his attorney and the police.
He hesitated.
Then agreed.
For the first time, I realized I didn't need Vincent to save me.
I could make decisions.
Ask for help.
May you like
Protect myself.
And I wasn't going to run from the truth anymore.
