Page 38 of Legally Yours
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LIAM
As soon as I’m awake, there is a smile on my face, undeniably caused by the brightest thing in my life. Cassandra.
I pull my arms over my head and stretch, feeling a bit achy from all we did yesterday. There is never a dull moment with her, and that includes the bed as well. However, she is so much more than sex. She is to be adored, praised and admired.
She is a wonderful woman. I am sure she sees that in herself. And I know for certain she must feel how right things are between us.
I let my eyes finally open, and they take some time to adjust to the brightness of our shared bedroom. As everything comes into focus, my eyes land on the empty spot next to me.
I raise an eyebrow and squint, but she is definitely not there. I sit up in my bed. A dull ache comes over me and settles in my stomach. I get up and throw on a discarded shirt that lies at the end of the crumpled bed sheets.
I go to the bathroom thinking she will be there, and she is not. I ruffle my hair in the mirror, then brush my teeth. The feeling of anxiousness still sits on my chest like an elephant, but I walk out of the bedroom ready to face whatever is happening.
I walk into the kitchen, and my eyes immediately land on Cassandra. She is wearing an oversized T-shirt and sweatpants. Her hair is tied back into the cutest low bun. I finally feel relaxed at the sight of her leaning against the countertop, staring out the window that overlooks the city.
She turns around when she hears me come in, and she clutches the fresh coffee to her chest. Her brows are knitted together and that dread instantly returns.
I pull a stool from the island and take a seat in front of her, but she just sighs and makes her way to the living area.
“Cassandra?” I call after her. I rush to follow her and sit on the opposite sofa facing her.
She sits staring intently at the cup of coffee like the words will magically appear in the foam.
“Please, talk to me,” I say and sit at the edge of the couch. I know our arrangement has technically ended, but I’m terrified of what she has to say.
“You have been nothing but sweet to me, but I –”
“Cassandra, no.” I run my hands over my face and rake them through my hair.
“I just, I can’t. I want to get a divorce.”
“Please,” I rasp.
“Like we planned,” she manages to get out.
My heart aches, and my head spins. “No, I don’t accept.” My voice sounds muffled through my hands.
“We have to,” she says as she scoots up to the edge of the sofa.
“No, we really don’t have to,” I refute.
“We only planned it for six months anyway, and I –”
“God, Cassandra.” I groan.
“Everything happened so fast, and we barely even know each other,” Cassandra protests weakly.
“Barely know each other?” My heart breaks, like she knows that would hurt me.
“Yeah, it has only been six months.”
“After everything we have been through?” My voice strains. “After everything we did and everything we felt, we barely know each other?”
She just nods solemnly. “Look, you got what you wanted. You proved that you can get any girl you want. And for me, I proved I can live without David and that I don’t have to depend on anyone.”
“Baby, that is not what this is about. This goes way deeper than having something to prove. You know this is worthwhile and hard to find.”