17
chat.
I wasn’t surprised to see Dominic again.
From the moment Mr. Blackwell called me, I knew our paths would cross once more.
Recent rains had left the mountain roads muddy. His expensive car was covered in grime, and his suit was similarly stained.
Ignoring him, I called the curious children peering through the windows back to their seats and resumed teaching.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class, and Dominic rushed over, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I tried to walk past him, but he grabbed my hand firmly.
With the children watching, I sighed and pulled him aside.
“Dominic, we’re divorced,” I said coldly.
He trembled, his voice breaking as he repeated, “I’m sorry.”
“You want to apologize? Then don’t disturb me. That’s the best apology you can give.”
Impatience laced my voice. What good were apologies now?
Tears rolled down his face as he laughed bitterly.
“It’s all my fault. I didn’t see Celeste for who she really was, and I let that cloud everything between us.
“But we had so many beautiful memories, Audrey. You loved me once, didn’t you? Can’t we go back to that?”
Hearing this, I felt nothing but disgust.
He clung to my hand, speaking with misplaced conviction.
“If you love it here, I’ll stay with you.
“Give me a chance. Let me earn your love again.”
I scoffed. “Do you think that makes you seem romantic?”
How much of his regret was real love and trust for me?
And how much was simply because Celeste had been exposed?
I couldn’t say for sure.
