Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 17

Emily went home.

She couldn't let her mother's remains stay in that bastard's hands.

The moment she stepped inside, her breath caught.

James was sitting on the couch.

Her whole body stiffened.

Without a second thought, she turned on her heel, ready to leave.

But before she could take a step, James grabbed her wrist.

"Emily."

His voice was low.

Emily closed her eyes for a second.

Running wouldn't solve this.

They needed to talk.

Even divorce had to be discussed.

"What do you want?" she asked, yanking her hand free.

James stared at his empty palm, a strange hollowness settling in his chest.

He let out a dry laugh, licking his chapped lips.

"I miss you, Em."

"We haven't been apart this long since we got married."

Yeah.

Because every other day, she got to see his drunken escapades on the news.

Emily met his gaze, her voice flat.

"Clearly, you didn't take me seriously."

"James, I meant what I said. I want a divorce."

His whole body jolted like she'd just struck him.

His voice wavered.

"Why?"

"You know why."

"It's because of Lily—"

"It's NOT about her!" Emily snapped.

"Even without Lily, there would've been someone else."

"The problem was never them, James."

"It was always YOU."

It was the nights he never came home.

The way he tested her love over and over, like she was some fool who'd never leave.

She didn't love him anymore.

Had already accepted the man he had become.

But hearing him say that?

It still hurt.

James barely registered the sting on his cheek.

All he knew was that she was pulling away.

And he wasn't about to let that happen.

Gripping her arm, he yanked her toward the stairs.

"If you'll spread your legs for anyone, then at least start with your damn husband."

"James, you're insane!"

Emily struggled against him, her voice shaking.

"I TOLD YOU—I'M DONE! YOU WANTED THIS DIVORCE!"

"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU FIGHTING IT NOW?!"

James didn't answer.

He just kept dragging her up the stairs.

Upstairs.