Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 10

He just led her away.

As they walked off, one of Michael's buddies muttered,

"You just handed Emily over to Alex."

"Aren't you worried James will lose his shit?"

Michael scoffed.

"Worried about her? She's nothing but James' leftover trash."

Pulling out his phone, he snapped a picture of the two leaving.

Then, he made a call.

"This is your golden opportunity, Lily. Time to lock James down."

Emily got into Alex's car.

Pale as a ghost, she sank into the seat without a word.

"You—"

Alex started.

Before he could finish, she let the coat slide off her shoulders.

Shredded fabric barely covered her body.

Her eyes were vacant, expression hollow—fearless.

"Just be gentle. I don't like pain."

She forced a smirk, pure mockery.

Alex frowned and reached for the first aid kit in the backseat.

"That was his friends' decision. He hasn't given up on you."

The antiseptic stung as it touched her wounds.

She flinched but quickly steadied herself.

"Do you really think it'd be any different if he were here?"

Alex chuckled.

"If you already know the answer, why are you giving up on yourself?"

Emily's voice was calm.

Punishing herself for something that wasn't her fault.

She covered her face, sobbing.

It was time to wake up.

"Take me to the police."

The rain had finally stopped.

Clothes lay scattered on the floor.

James was in the shower.

Lily ended her call.

She glanced at the pendant on the nightstand and scoffed.

"James, you still carrying this thing around?"

Emily had given it to him.

A cheap little trinket.

Pathetic.