Was that ... really how it was ? The so - called " old feelings " he'd once had for Sophie had long since worn away . Time had ground them down until only guilt from the past remained , and a warped sense of duty -the belief that the strong must protect the weak - kept sticking around . But the woman he truly couldn't let go of , the one who had woven herself into the quiet fabric of his life , was Evelyn . She was the one who left a light on for him , who awkwardly mixed a Hot Toddy , who lit up with a smile that made it look as if his smallest kindnesses gave her the whole world . A tidal wave of regret crashed over Graham and swallowed him in an instant . Sophie , shattered by his words , went pale . Her lips trembled as if she were seeing him for the first time . " You ... Graham ... how could you say that ... you ... " " Get out , " Graham said without looking at her , his voice exhausted and ice - cold , absolute in its finality . " Don't come back . I'll have someone escort you out of Evermont . " " No ! I'm not leaving ! Graham , you can't do this to me ! " Sophie screamed , lunging for his arm . He shrugged her off without hesitation and hit the call button . His aide , Frank , stepped in right away . " Escort her out , " Graham ordered , clipped and ruthless . " And arrange for Ms. Monroe to leave Evermont as soon as possible . Send her where she belongs . " Sophie's legs emptied out beneath her . She collapsed to the floor and began to sob hysterically until Frank " escorted " her away . The world became still . And then it fell apart . With Sophie gone , the office held only Graham . A deathly silence settled over the room . He shuffled to his desk and , with trembling fingers , picked up the only thing Evelyn had left behind a worn black hair clip , forgotten on the table . He clenched the cold metal as if it were a lifeline . The realization slammed into him like a long - overdue verdict : he had grown used to her chatter Chapter 14 60.87 % filling the house , to coming home to warm food , to those eyes that always tracked him with admiration and dependence . The kindness he had shown - those obligations he'd told himself were his duty - had quietly changed into something deeper . It had become part of his life , something carved into his bones : the proof of a love he hadn't known he felt . And he had been blind . Chasing a hollow obsession from the past , he had hurt her again and again , ignored her , and- when she needed him most - abandoned her without a second thought . He had destroyed his real present and any future he might have had . Graham slammed his fist down on the hardwood desk . The skin split . Blood trickled , but he didn't feel the pain . Panic and despair gripped him like cold hands around his throat . He could hardly breathe . His wife - his Evelyn - was gone because of him . Like a man possessed , he barreled out the door and roared at Frank , " Get the car ! Now ! " He canceled all nonessential appointments and tore through the city in his olive - green Jeep , a madman on a desperate search . He drove from town to town , checked every airport , clutching Evelyn's photo and asking anyone who would listen , " Excuse me - have you seen this woman ? She's my wife . She's missing . " From Evermont to Willowbrook , from Willowbrook to Grendale , he kept going . Wind and sun beat at him . He ate irregularly ; he shrank away . His eyes hollowed and his stubble grew ragged , but those eyes burned with a terrifying intensity - fueled by regret and refusal to give up . An old war buddy , hearing of his state , tracked him down and tried to intervene . " Graham , what the hell are you doing ? Throwing away your work for a woman ? Is she worth it ? If she cared about you , she'd come back on her own ! " Graham snapped his head up , eyes rimmed red . His voice was raw and cracked but fixed with furious conviction . " She's my wife . I've lost her . I have to bring her back . She's out there alone - so fragile - she Chapter 14 60.87 % doesn't know how to fend for herself . I have to find her . I will find her . " Chapter 14 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!