Chapter 5: The Last Goodbye

Ten days later, I got the official annulment. Yellow paper, red ink, official stamps—our engagement truly over.

The west wing was already cleared out. It was empty, just like when I’d first arrived. My footsteps echoed in the quiet, each one carrying the past away.

I tossed the decree on the desk, took Harper and thirty-six trunks, and left. The air outside felt fresher than it had in months.

The spring sunlight was gentle and warm. The scent of blooming lilacs drifted on the breeze—a small reminder that life moves on.

At that moment, Ethan Caldwell returned—strictly speaking, Ethan and his entourage.

Sam Morgan sat sidesaddle in front of him, her dress whiter than snow, pure and elegant. I stood quietly, watching Ethan carefully help her down from the horse.

"Ah..." A delicate cry—she fell right into his arms.

People came and went, watching and whispering. The two showed no shame. Mrs. Henderson across the street was already peeking through her blinds, probably dialing her best friend to spread the word.

He lied, acting the part of a troubled man:

"Turns out Sam’s a woman. She’s had my back through everything, and with folks already talking, I’m making her my second wife."

"On the fifteenth of next month, you’ll both move in together."

"Order an extra wedding dress."

I said nothing, keeping my face calm and polite. Inside, I felt oddly detached, like I was watching a play, not living it.

Right in front of me, Ethan took Sam’s hand and started barking orders, one after another. "She hates fancy things, so her jewelry and clothes should be simple. She’s injured and frail, can’t do heavy work. As for the wedding, you’ll handle the arrangements yourself."

The two exchanged smiles. Joy shone in Ethan’s eyes—a light I hadn’t seen in a long time.

I nodded, then smiled. "I wish you both a long and happy life together." I let the words hang, sweeter than honey, sharper than glass.

At this, Ethan’s face darkened. He snapped, "What’s with the sarcasm?"

He poured himself a drink, slamming the glass down, avoiding my gaze. "If not for Sam’s wisdom, I never could have taken Silver Hollow. While you enjoyed yourself in town, I risked my life on the border, and it was Sam, risking everything, who saved me."

He ran his hand through his hair, voice cracking, getting more defensive. "She’s already given herself to me. As a man, shouldn’t I give her a proper place? Now, by letting her stand on equal footing with you, I’m already shortchanging her. You’re a lady of standing—can’t you be a little more understanding?"

I took a deep breath. My nails dug into my palm, pain bringing clarity. I steadied myself, remembering times I’d stood up to worse.

So righteous, so sure—he left me speechless. A thousand words stuck in my throat. In the end, all I could say was, "Fine."

Ethan nodded, satisfied. He went on about etiquette for the second wife, dowry arrangements, daily affairs, even the embroidery Sam liked—he recited it all, pouring another drink, never looking at me.

I didn’t listen. I only nodded, eyes lowered, mind wandering to a future far from this house.

He finally finished. Sam’s cheeks were red, her smile shy.

At last, Ethan said, "You can go back to the Brooks place for now, but don’t slack off. There’s a lot to do at the house—make sure you keep up with everything."

I nodded again.

Before leaving, I turned and said, "There’s a letter from the governor’s office in your study, Ethan. Please take a look yourself."

He might have heard, or maybe not. He was too busy helping Sam over the threshold—so careful, so protective. The scene would be all over town by dinner.

Behind me, a line of staff and boxes trailed like a parade. If he’d bothered to look, he’d have seen I was moving out, not just going home for a while.