Page 12 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“We are on different paths, Sarah. He's only interested in politics, and I'm not. If we got married, I would have had to bury my dreams for his.”

“Did you talk to him about it?”

“Yes, but he didn't see reason. I just had a realization on that day and had to bolt. It wasn't the wisest thing to do, but I just had to.”

“I see. Well, what's done is done. I know you'll be fine. I wish we could talk more, but I'm currently at work. I'll call you later, okay? I love you. Gotta go.”

“I love you too, Sarah.”

I end the call and dial my mom's number. My heart races as I think of what to say. Are they going to yell? Are they going to ask me to get back with Ethan? Oh, I hope they understand. I swipe my sweaty palms on my joggers, suddenly feeling hot. I should have worn shorts instead.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Nora!” She yells into the phone, and I wince. I hear her call out to my dad in the background and he calls my name. His voice is softer than usual and I'm overwhelmed with emotion. “Nora, what happened sweetie? You got us worried. Please tell me, are you okay?”

“Yes. I'm okay. I'm sorry I ran away. I just couldn't marry Ethan. I never loved him, Dad.” I feel the weight of their disappointment seeping through the phone.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself to explain why I couldn't go through with the wedding to Ethan. My parents listen in silence. I feel their resolve softening as I bare my soul, telling them about our different paths and ambitions.

When I finish, I can't hold back the tears, and I can feel my parents’ anger dwindling. “We're sorry, Nora,” my mother says softly. “You deserve to find happiness, my dear. We should never have suggested that you marry Ethan or anyone at all. We should have left that choice to you.”

“Your mother's right. We should not have tried to take that away from you. I'm glad you chose to leave,” Dad says, and my heart soars at their understanding. “Even though you could have done it in a much better way, but it's done already. Go ahead and find love. Take all the time you need. You have our blessings to be with whomever you want to be with.”

“Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.” I sniffle, wiping at my tears.

“When are you coming back?”

“Soon. I need to report to work, and then I'll come see you. Say next week?”

“That's fine, Nora. We miss you so much.”

“I miss you both. I love you so much. Thanks for understanding me.”

“We love you, too. We'll call again soon. Take care. Oh, and call Ethan to explain. I'm sure he'll understand.”

I don’t think so, but it is something I have to do anyway.

“I'll explain myself to Ethan. Take care, Mom. You too, Dad.”

After the emotional conversation with my parents, I feel a newfound sense of liberation. I'll go ahead and find love and I'll hold onto the hope that, somewhere out there, I'll discover a love that's genuine and unconditional. I look at the TV, contemplating turning it off until the next thing that comes out of the journalist’s mouth shocks me to my bones.

“Ethan Sinclair Denies Breakup Rumors, Claims He’s Still with Nora Evans.”

“Ethan Sinclair's Perfect Image Shattered When Bride-to-be—”

What!?My head spins at what I just heard, and I blink multiple times to make sure I'm seeing this correctly.

“Get more information on all the new headlines on our website.”

I head to my browser and type in the link with shaky fingers.Be calm, Nora. Be calm, I chant multiple times.

I stare at my phone screen in disbelief as I read the damning headlines. Is this what he means by I'll regret what I did? Spreading fake rumors?

My hands tremble as I scroll through the relentless onslaught of headlines, each one more damning than the last.

Now, I need to make that call. I need to confront Ethan, to set the record straight once and for all. With a deep breath, I dial his number, readying myself for the inevitable confrontation, my heart pounding in my chest.

When he finally picks up, his voice drips with disdain. “Nora, what do you want?” he sneers.

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