Page 4 of Tapped

But the accident…

The Litchfields are exceptional in every way—career, marriage, parenting. Heck, my sister was a hellion growing up, and she not only excels at everything in life, but also in her hobbies. She has the pickleball trophies to prove it.

My father is the founder of BioNova Research. He started out as a chemist and worked in research for a decade before breaking out on his own. His corporation is on the cutting-edge of medical breakthroughs to help people in all walks of life. His company and foundation have not only saved lives through research and philanthropy, but it’s also made him an incredibly wealthy man.

To the tune of a secured spot on theFortune 500for the last fifteen years.

My mother was an opera singer. But then she birthed three elite children, and that messed with her diaphragm. But that hasn’t stopped her. She’s been the president of the Miami Arts Institute for two decades.

My grandfather was an architect. His buildings are still well known throughout southern Florida for their artistic flare.

My brother is an attorney for BioNova.

And my sister is the harpist for the Miami Symphony Orchestra.

A harpist.

My family thrives in everything. Perfect marriages, over-achieving children, and lavish homes that look like they belong on the cover of magazines.

The Litchfields don’t know how to fail.

It’s not like I’m a slouch. I went to medical school instead of into research like my father wanted. I wanted to be a doctor. I scored in the top five percent for the MCAT and the Boards. I might not help run a multi-billion-dollar corporation, but my work is important. I make a difference in people’s lives, just in a different way.

It’s all I ever wanted.

The elderly have a special relationship with their doctors. I see my patients regularly in the clinic and in the hospital. It’s the nature of being a geriatrician. I love my job, my patients, and the group of doctors I get to partner with. I’m successful in my career, just as our parents raised us to be.

Exceptional.

But I’m a failure when it comes to marriage. This is the chapter that I never saw coming in my book of life.

Talk about a plot twist.

I’ve done everything I could to avoid it, which makes the fall even harder. In my case, avoidance was simply taking a blind eye. I told myself I could live in a loveless marriage.

I did it for our family, for my sanity, and, if I’m being honest with myself, to save face from everyone in my life.

And the world in general.

But I’m right back where I was six months ago. The accident derailed all my plans. There’s something about recovering from a near death experience and focusing on Chase that put divorce on the back burner.

“Evie, don’t do this, dammit. Give it just one more month. I’ll go to couple’s counseling. Hell, let’s take Chase on vacation. The three of us.”

Chase.

My son makes the guilt heavy.

I turn to look at the man who was never really a husband. I should have cut him off long ago. I was blinded to his true nature before I ever saidI do. I’m lucky the only nasty souvenir I have from my marriage is a broken heart and wounded ego. We haven’t had sex in over a year. I’ve tested myself just in case, even though I have no proof he’s cheated.

Sex has been the least of my desires for as long as I can remember.

I have other kinds of desires, though, and in the last week they’ve hit me with a force. At the top of that list is for Jeff to be out of this house forever.

“You had all day to pack. Tonya will be back with Chase in thirty minutes, and I refuse to do this in front of him. If you want any type of shared custody, I suggest you find yourself an attorney.”

Jeff’s handsome features that won me over years ago contort into angry lines that crease his face. I don’t recognize the man I fell in love with when his voice bellows off the high ceilings. “How am I supposed to find a fucking lawyer who will give me the time of day in this damn city when your last name is Litchfield? I’m powerless, and you know it. Petition for the papers to be reversed, Evie.”

I cross my arms, straighten my spine, and ignore the guilt that claws at me like nails on a chalkboard. “It’s taken me too long to get to this point, but I’ve made my decision, and I need to follow through. I’ve given you more chances than you deserve. If you don’t want to pack a bag, that’s on you. I’ll have your things boxed up and sent to you, but you’re leaving.”

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