Page 145 of Be My Wife

“Is something wrong, ma’am? Should I call Mr. Har—uh… Mr. Brogan?”

“No.” I brush away a tear even as I force my chin up. “And don’t tell him that you picked me up tonight either.”

He dips his head. “Yes, ma’am.”

At least he’s not calling me Mrs. Harrington.

I stare out the window as he drives.

Familiar landmarks meet my eyes.

The store where I get all my groceries.

The gas station.

The park.

The shabby homes.

I wind the window down and inhale deeply.

This is me.

This is my world.

The lonely, quiet place where I belong.

Gerard slows to a stop in front of the apartment building.

“Thank you, Gerard,” I say quietly.

“Ma’am, may I ask what you’re doing?”

“Retreating.”

He arches an eyebrow.

“I’m leaving him before he can leave me, Gerard.”

“But—”

“Are you about to offer advice?”

“Ma’am.”

“Please don’t.”

He nods slowly.

“I’m assuming you kept all of the previous Ms. Harrington’s secrets?”

“I did.”

“You’ll keep this one too, right?”

He hesitates.

“Right, Gerard?”

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