Better to take my money and live life on my terms.
So what if I’m in my sixties?
It’s not like I’m dying tomorrow.
I’ve still got time—And the guts to start over.
The trial wrapped up with Sebastian getting life in prison. They downgraded the death penalty because of his age, but the charges stacked high–two counts of attempted murder, bribing doctors to fake records, and a whole list of other crimes.
Our divorce? Finalized. And most of the assets? Mine.
When I got back from court, I stood in that house, staring at walls that had witnessed way too much, and made the call.
I sold both properties. Cashed out. Bought a camper van.
It was time to go–time to see the world on my own terms.
But before I hit the road, I made one last stop.
Sebastian.
Truth is, I’d always known about Rainee.
Sebastian and I met through some matchmaking service and got married two months later. I knew he didn’t love me. But back then? I thought time would fix that. I thought I could fix that.
Yeah, no. I lied to myself for thirty years.
–
Before leaving, I handed him a photo. The cops found it during their investigation — a picture of an old woman in an elegant dress.
“The woman you’ve been obsessed with your whole life?” I said. “She never died. She married some rich guy and had to fake her death to get away from you.”
His face crumpled, but I wasn’t done.
“Oh, and Jack?” I tilted my head. “Not yours.”
That broke him. His whole twisted little fantasy shattered right there. The woman he worshipped, the kid he schemed with – all lies. His life had been the lie.
Sebastian staggered, eyes wide. Then boom–down he went, out cold.
2/3
Chapter 12
+25 BONUS
I didn’t call for help. Didn’t even blink. Just brushed off my coat, turned on my heel, and walked out.
The sky outside the prison was gorgeous.
And Jack? I never told him about his rich, still–thriving mom.
Why would I?
Better to take my money and live life on my terms.
So what if I’m in my sixties?
It’s not like I’m dying tomorrow.
I’ve still got time—And the guts to start over.
The trial wrapped up with Sebastian getting life in prison. They downgraded the death penalty because of his age, but the charges stacked high–two counts of attempted murder, bribing doctors to fake records, and a whole list of other crimes.
Our divorce? Finalized. And most of the assets? Mine.
When I got back from court, I stood in that house, staring at walls that had witnessed way too much, and made the call.
I sold both properties. Cashed out. Bought a camper van.
It was time to go–time to see the world on my own terms.
But before I hit the road, I made one last stop.
Sebastian.
Truth is, I’d always known about Rainee.
Sebastian and I met through some matchmaking service and got married two months later. I knew he didn’t love me. But back then? I thought time would fix that. I thought I could fix that.
Yeah, no. I lied to myself for thirty years.
–
Before leaving, I handed him a photo. The cops found it during their investigation — a picture of an old woman in an elegant dress.
“The woman you’ve been obsessed with your whole life?” I said. “She never died. She married some rich guy and had to fake her death to get away from you.”
His face crumpled, but I wasn’t done.
“Oh, and Jack?” I tilted my head. “Not yours.”
That broke him. His whole twisted little fantasy shattered right there. The woman he worshipped, the kid he schemed with – all lies. His life had been the lie.
Sebastian staggered, eyes wide. Then boom–down he went, out cold.
2/3
Chapter 12
+25 BONUS
I didn’t call for help. Didn’t even blink. Just brushed off my coat, turned on my heel, and walked out.
The sky outside the prison was gorgeous.
And Jack? I never told him about his rich, still–thriving mom.
Why would I?
