Reborn: After 99 Divorces

ge of the ornamental pond on the far side of the Boone estate, her heels sinking into the damp, freezing mud. Her b

hmere coat was belted tightly at her waist, her hair perfectly coiffed despite t

r arms around herself, trying to hold her shattering reali

the kind one might offer a slow child. "Harmless things are often

only person in this godforsaken family who had looked at her with anything other

ng like ash. "And you're going to pay for it.

the gravel. "Who is going to believe you? The foster trash? The go

hysical blow. Her hand went instinctively to her flat s

rsational. "He calls you a parasite. A virus. Did you know he

t, though tears we

hed into her deep pocket and pulled out a thick envelope. "He signed these this mor

The end of the humiliation she called a life. She reac

out, her smile

stepped

go of the papers.

d strong, slammed into Elaina's chest. The force was unexpected

d tilted

her like a t

her heavy wool coat soaking up the water like a sponge, dragging her down. The pon

gasping, choking on t

ream. She just watched, her hands tucked deep into her coat pockets,

limbs felt like lead. She went under again. This time, the water filled her nose, her throat. Her l

rd

memory from just yesterday-the wedding-surfaced. Amanda had "accidentally" stepped on the train of her gown as she walke

rkness closing in around the edges of he

a terrifying numbness. The darkness wasn't just in her eye

e distorted, wavering shape of Amanda O

, no

jo

ric spasm tore t

gs expanded, sucking in greedy, desperate gulps of air. I

hairline. Her hands clawed at her throat, expecting

nd came out. She scrambled backward,

dbo

n swimming. She wasn't in

Red rose petals were scattered across the silk duvet cover. A massive floral arra

were shaking uncontrollably.

oo

ed scar she had gotten from the fire two years

her voice raspy. "N

side table. The digital clock

er 14

e. Her brea

e y

one back

o go wrong. The night she thought she had won the lottery by marrying

e had bought specifically for this night. The one Cordero had ripped o

was

s welled in her eyes, hot and fast. She grabbed the silk sheets

al

. She remembered Amanda's face. She remembered every

the bathroom

silent room. The metallic

t hammered against her ribs, terri

exactly w