Chapter 16 - THE END OF US
Police escorted Brooke toward an unmarked vehicle.
Before entering, she looked back at Arthur.
“Tell them you knew.”
“I didn’t.”
“You knew enough.”
Charles was served with warrants covering his office, electronic devices and financial records.
Victoria was ordered not to contact witnesses.
Arthur was advised to hire counsel separate from his father.
The guests left quietly.
No one finished the champagne.
The celebration banner remained above officers carrying evidence boxes into the mansion.
Arthur stood alone on the steps.
He still held the divorce envelope.
I pushed the stroller toward my vehicle.
“Elena.”
I stopped.
“I’ll withdraw the petition.”
“I won’t.”
His expression broke.
“You want the divorce?”
“Yes.”
“Because of one mistake?”
“You did not accidentally sleep with Brooke.”
He lowered his eyes.
“You did not accidentally call me worthless.”
Silence.
“You did not accidentally use our newborn children in a custody strategy.”
“I was manipulated.”
“You were willing.”
He looked toward the twins.
“What happens now?”
“Our lawyers handle the divorce. The court handles custody. Investigators handle the fraud.”
“And us?”
“There is no us.”
He removed his wedding ring.
“I loved you.”
“You loved being loved by me.”
“That isn’t the same thing.”
“No.”
May you like
I pushed the stroller away.
“That is what you learned too late.”
