Page 158 of Be My Wife

I stare at her, at the anxious look in her eyes. “I’m fine, Mom.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I’m just worried about Steph.”

“That little girl is healthier than a horse now. I know it and the doctors know it too.”

“We still need to be sure.”

“I’m sure in here.” She points to her heart. “What I don’t understand is why my son can’t eat or sleep lately. And when are you going home to Elizabeth? She moved out of the suite, you know. All her stuff is gone.”

“I know,” I grumble. It’s one of the reasons I decided to move into the hospital. I couldn’t go home. It doesn’t feel like home without Elizabeth there—her sweet smile lighting up the place, her hair products skittered all over the vanity and bathroom sink, half her clothes filling my closet, and her body against mine on the bed.

“Gerard says she’s not letting him take her around anymore.”

“She wouldn’t have a heart if she did.”

Mom’s stare gets blistering. “What’s going on?”

“She’s busy.”

“Don’t give me that sorry excuse.”

I shrug. “Believe it if you want to.”

“You know she sneaks in to see Steph when you’re not here?”

My eyes widen.

No, I didn’t know that.

“Did you two have a fight?”

I shake my head. “We’re getting divorced.”

“What? Why?”

“We were never going to work out.”

“Brogan, that’s utter nonsense. You and Elizabeth are perfect together. Turn around right now and make up with her.” Mom tries to tug on my arm. “Tell her you’ve changed your mind.”

I remain in place. “I can’t. I already signed the papers. I’m just waiting for her to sign so we can submit it to the court.”

It’s strange that Elizabeth hasn’t sent me the files yet. Maybe she’s waiting until Steph’s fully recovered before she hits me with it. I don’t know why she’s being considerate now. I’d rather we sever ties quickly so I can try to get over her.

Somehow.

Mom slaps me on the back.

I jump. “Ow!”

“How could you let that woman go?”

“It’s what she wanted, Mom.”

“Are you blind? Elizabeth loves you.”

My voice gets heavy with bitterness. “It was just a lie.”

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