Page 89 of The Lake House

I turn to face him, and shaking my head, I try to calm my nerves. “Why?”

He shakes his head in disbelief and then motions for me to take a seat in a chair at the kitchen table.

“Why would Todd do this?” I ask as Declan sits beside me.

“Let’s read it together,” he says as the letter from my ex sits in my hands. “I’m right here for you.”

Why would he send me a letter? Why not just leave me the hell alone once and for all? He can’t call me anymore, so he writes? I also had blocked his email at the same time I blocked all his social media accounts from contacting me. So this was his last resort, but it honestly never dawned on me he would.

I hate that he’s making me think of him right now. This is exactly what he wanted: to insert himself back into my life on his terms. I can’t stand him. I wish he’d just leave me alone.

I’d better read this quickly and get it out of the way. The sooner I can see what the hell he wants, the sooner I can forget all about him.

“Would you like me to read it to you?” Declan asks.

I shake my head. “No, it’s okay. I’ll do it. And the faster I get through this, the faster we can put this behind us and enjoy our evening together.”

He offers me a small smile and then places an arm around me as I read aloud.

My sweetest Giulies,

I know it’s been a while since we’ve last spoken, but please know and believe it’s not because I’ve forgotten about you. That will never happen. That’s something that you’ll never have to worry about. I’ll never stop thinking about you. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since that night I saw you. I know you might still have some harsh feelings toward me, and I understand why that might be so, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re mine.

When we got married, we said for better or for worse… till death do us part.

Well, sweet cheeks, my cheating was the worse, and you vowed to stay with me through it.

But you left. Regardless of what you promised, you left me.

I know, I know. I may have been the one who pushed for divorce, and I’m not mad at you about that or for deciding you needed to go.

But what I don’t understand is why you won’t come back to me? You promised to love me through it all… and yet, where are you?

At that stupid lake house your grandparents used to own. I don’t understand why you like it there so much. I bought you a big house in the city, and still you prefer the countryside. All that quiet… I just can’t deal with it.

Anyway, I know you still love me, your one and only husband. I know you would love for us to have another chance together.

I put the letter down and let out a sigh of frustration while Declan rubs my shoulders. “Ugh, the nerve of him. The more I read this, the more nauseated I get,” I say after reading his words so far. I don’t want to read any more of his nonsense, but I want to get through this.

“I know, babe. It’s not easy to listen to either. Knowing what I know, what he’s done to you, how he came out here and everything… I’m not okay with this at all.”

I nod. Declan places a kiss on my forehead and I decide to read on.

Because there is no greater love than the one we share, I’m not about ready to give up on you so easily, baby. You can change your number, block me on social media, ignore everything that’s right in front of your face, but I am not about to let you go.

You’re mine, and you belong to me. If I can’t have you, no one else can. You can tell that little boyfriend of yours that your husband is coming back for you and I’m taking you home.

Remember… till death do us part.

I’ll see you soon, Giulies.

Your loving husband,

Todd

I crumple up the letter and toss it to the other side of the room. “Loving husband…” I mutter under my breath. “I really hate him,” I say with tears beginning to well in my eyes.

Declan pulls me close to him and hugs me tighter. “I know, sweetie. Don’t worry about a thing. I’m here with you, and I’m not going anywhere.”

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