Page 99 of I Wish I Would've Warned You

Memories we never had—but somehow, he captured them anyway.

Each frame feels like a breath I never took.

A confession I never gave.

A promise I never kept.

And just when I think I might survive this?—

Shewalks onstage.

A blonde in heels and an easy smile. She loops her hand through his, and he leans in to kiss her cheek. The crowd cheers.

But all I hear is silence.

My wine glass is still in my hand, full and untouched.

My cheeks are wet, and I don’t remember crying.

When the credits roll, I don’t turn off the television.

I just sit there.

Heart splitting in my chest.

Watching a blank screen, refusing to blink.

He’s moved on.

And I have no one to blame but myself.

48

COLE

My father is facing six new federal charges—serious ones that could finally put him behind bars.

Not just the DUI.

Fraud. Obstruction. Tax evasion. Things that were buried under hush money and campaign favors until recently. Things I always suspected but could never prove.

Part of me wonders if he’ll survive in prison. If he’ll manage without tailored suits, private jets, and five-star dinners served on demand.

The other part of me—the louder, colder part—thinks he’s getting exactly what he deserves.

I unlock the front door of my gallery and step into the dark, preparing for another week of sold-out shows. My phone buzzes with RSVP updates and a waiting list that’s somehow still growing.

But when I flick on the lights, the devil himself is sitting on my main sofa.

“If you hurry and leave, I won’t call the police and have you arrested for breaking and entering,” I say, my voice flat.

“I need to talk to you before I have to prepare for trial.”

“They have phones in prison,” I reply, setting down my bag. “Try not to use all three hundred of your monthly minutes on pointless calls.”

“Any other advice?” he asks.

“Yeah. Keep to yourself. Don’t pull any of your manipulative bullshit in there. Your new roommates are way out of your league.”

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