From Left Behind to Living Lavish

Chapter 6

Carter didn't fight back. Instead, he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a cold, calculating look in his eyes.

"If you want a divorce, come back with me," he demanded.

Marcus stepped forward, his tone firm. "Even if she doesn't go with you, this marriage is over."

Ignoring Marcus entirely, Carter's gaze locked onto mine, waiting for my response.

I stepped out from behind Marcus, trying to keep my composure.

"Alright, I'll go back with you."

I wanted the divorce. I needed a clean break from the past, and that meant I had to play along, at least for now.

I noticed the worry in Marcus's eyes, and I forced a small, reassuring smile. "I'll call you once this is all over."

My smile was weak, but Marcus didn't push. He hesitated for a moment, then nodded, respecting my decision.

Back at the villa, Carter's bitterness hung thick in the air. He took me back, hoping to use guilt and manipulation to keep me there, to continue his revenge.

But he never understood.

The fear I felt for that villa wasn't out of love for him. It was out of respect for the dead and the fear of his love turning to hatred. The coldness, the public humiliations, those scars ran deep.

I became quiet, withdrawn, cautious.

But Carter never seemed to notice. I had stopped hoping for anything more.

I finally gathered the courage to ask, "When are we going to finalize the divorce?"

The question sent him into a rage. He stormed out, slamming the door behind him, and was gone for several days.

Then, one sunny afternoon, Amy came over again.

This time, there was no pretending. She dropped the act and showed her true colors. With a malicious grin, she advanced toward me.

I backed away, step by step, until I was cornered by the balcony.

Amy raised her phone in front of me, the screen lighting up with a video.

A girl was pinned to the ground by several men, barely clothed and crying in despair. The alley, the screams, they were all too familiar.

I felt the world crumble beneath me. I covered my ears, desperately trying to block out the sounds.

The video was short, but it felt like an eternity.

Amy stood there, watching my reaction with twisted satisfaction, her smile cruel.

"Lindsey, you're filthy."

She taunted, "Tell me, what do you think people would say if this video got out?"

I struggled to steady my breathing, my heart racing. I forced myself to stay calm and asked, "Was this your doing?"

I should have known. The whispers about me, the insults, all connected to Amy.

Her eyes lit up with wicked glee, like a child caught in the act of mischief.

"You're not as stupid as you look, huh?" she chuckled. "I just wanted to teach you a lesson, but who knew you'd break so easily?"

Her voice dropped to a whisper, a dangerous edge to it.

"Let me tell you a secret."

She leaned in closer. "Do you know how Carter's father really died?"

My breath caught in my throat.

Amy's grin widened. "I wanted him to step in and stop your wedding, but he refused. So, I took care of it. I killed him... and forged the suicide note."

"None of you are smart enough to recognize his handwriting."

She burst into laughter, tears of mirth streaming down her face.

"Uncle Hall liked me. Carter loves me. And all of this? It's your fault, Lindsey. You deserve this."

I didn't tell Carter. Even if I had, he wouldn't have believed me.

At that point, I had no hope left for him. No hope for anything.

After much back and forth, Carter finally agreed to the divorce.

But only after his father's memorial for what would have been his fiftieth birthday.

I agreed, knowing that once it was over, I could finally move on.

On the day of the memorial, I wore the long black dress he had once chosen for me.