Page 58 of Sins of a Husband

He wraps his arms around me, and I feel nothing but pure love.

“I miss you when you’re gone. Hopefully, that’s the last trip for a while.”

I break our embrace and smile as I stare into his beautiful green eyes. “Me too.”

“I have to go outside and tend to the flowers. Would you like to join me?”

“I’ll be out there soon.”

“Okay.” His lips press against my forehead.

He walks out of the house; the door creaks as it closes. I turn to Dahlia.

“Who is that?”

“That’s Elias, your husband. He’s your perfect man, and this is your perfect life.”

I feel overwhelming peace flowing through me for the first time in forever. I have no worries, fear, or impending doom—just peace.

“This is where you belong, Katherine. The real world is too much for you. You’ll never find a more perfect man than Elias. He loves you more than life, and he would never cheat on you or hurt you.”

I step onto the beautiful wraparound porch and feel the sun's warmth on my skin. White columns line the edges, supporting the roof, which provides shade for the white wicker furniture. Colorful potted flowers from the garden decorate the windowsills.

“It’s so beautiful here,” I say, staring at the handsomeman watering the flowers. He catches my stare and smiles with a wink. My belly involuntarily flutters.

“You need to stay here, Katherine. This is your dream home. And Elias is the man you’ve always dreamed of. There will be no more fear, pain, or anxious thoughts. What do you say?”

I stare out onto the beach, the vast water stretching to infinity as the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over this place called paradise. I feel different, and I don’t want to leave. My heart is filled with peace and serenity, and I wish to stay in this magical haven forever.

“Okay. I want to stay.”

“Did you hear that, Elias?” Dahlia shouts. “Kat isn’t going on any more trips. She’s here to stay forever.”

He sets down the hose, walks over, and his strong hands grip my hips.

“I am so happy to hear that. I love you so much, baby. You have no idea.” His lips meet mine. “Let’s go inside and celebrate.”

“I’ll be in in a minute,” I say. I turn to Dahlia. “Is this goodbye?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“Thank you, Dahlia.”

“You’re welcome, Katherine.”

I stare at her momentarily, step inside the house, and shut the door.

Chapter Forty-Three

DAHLIA

Present

My eyes fly open,and a smile perches on my lips. It doesn’t take long to realize what predicament I’m in as I stare at the sterile white walls while restrained in an uncomfortable bed.

I think about Dr. Burton—poor man. I had no choice. I only showed myself to him so he would tell Kat. I knew the events of her life made her unstable. I also knew that she’d try to take her life to end the misery and pain that gripped her. It was all part of my plan. Now, I’m free. She’s in her happy place with her perfect husband and beautiful home, where she’ll spend eternity. I, on the other hand, need to think of a way to get out of this godforsaken place. I have no choice but to play the game and pretend to be Katherine Tate. I will be the best and most rehabilitated patient this place has ever seen. It might even be kind of fun.

I’munrestrained and taken to the dining room for breakfast the following morning. Cereal, toast with various spreads, yogurt, fruit, eggs, bagels, and French toast fill the buffet table. I scoop some scrambled eggs onto a plate and fill a bowl with yogurt and fresh fruit. I sit with four other women—some younger, some older. The one with the greasy red hair and face full of freckles talks to herself. She won’t make eye contact with anyone. The woman with the short brown hair has fresh scars going across both wrists. She barely eats as she picks at her food.

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