" I don't need you to come with me ," I said immediately . My voice was sharp and I could feel my pulse hammering in my throat . My hand brushed his as I stepped back , putting space between us . His eyes flashed but he didn't reach for me again . I turned and grabbed my purse from the table by the door , my hands trembling with frustration . I couldn't believe them , any of them , thinking I'd throw away everything I'd built just because I'd married into their precious family . The one thing that I had built for myself in my life was my restaurant and it was truly the only thing that mattered for me , the audacity made me want to throw a punch at anyone that I could at the moment . The driver was waiting outside . I walked past the front steps without looking back , the anger burning hot in my chest . The car ride felt longer than it should have been . I kept fidgeting with the strap of my bag and checking my phone , trying to calm down . The streets blurred by but all I could think about was how dare they , how dare they decide my life's work was disposable . When the car stopped , I stepped out and looked up at the familiar sign above my restaurant . My chest swelled with something that almost hurt . This place was mine , every chipped tile , every table that wobbled a little , every smell of garlic and coffee and fresh bread . I pushed open the doors and walked inside . My staff was already bustling around , prepping for the lunch rush . They paused when they saw me . Clara , my head chef , wiped her hands on her apron and smiled . Sam , the line cook , called my name with surprise . I stepped further in and gathered everyone by the front counter . " I need to talk to all of you ," I said , raising my voice just enough to carry over the clatter of the kitchen . My eyes moved from face to face . " Things are changing . I won't be here like I used to be but I want you all to know I chose you , I trust you , I love this place and I know you'll take care of it ." Clara nodded , her eyes misty . Sam looked down at his shoes and shuffled his feet . I felt a rush of emotion seeing how much they cared . " All I ask is that you stay kind , stay understanding with each other and don't lose what makes this place special ." I was hugging Clara when I heard someone clear their throat behind me . I turned and froze . Andrew stood by the entrance , his hands in his pockets , that same easy grin on his face . My mouth fell open a little . " Andrew ? " I asked . I felt lightheaded . " What are you doing here ? How did you even find this place ? " I had almost forgotten about him since the last time I saw him when I was with Rick . 1/3 8:43 pm G Chapter 19 55 vouchers He lifted one shoulder and looked around the restaurant like he was impressed , " business deal brought me here , " he said , smiling wider , " I saw you comr in here , I was almost certain I was seeing things . " I laughed , shaking my head , " that's just coincidence but it's good , there was barely time to catch up the last time we saw each other . " He held out his hand in an exaggerated gentlemanly gesture , " come on . Let's grab a drink for old times ' sake . " I hesitated but then let out a breath and took his hand . We slipped into the bar next door , one I knew well . The bartender gave me a nod as we sat down . Andrew ordered us both something sweet and easy . He lifted his glass in a mock toast . " To fate ," he said , eyes glinting . " Because I wouldn't have known you were married if you hadn't told me . And God , did I have a crush on you . " I nearly choked on my drink , laughing so hard I had to wipe tears from my eyes . " Andrew ! " I scolded , but I couldn't stop smiling . He laughed too , leaning back in his chair . The rest of the time passed in a warm blur of old memories and jokes . My chest felt lighter than it had in days as I headed back out to the car . I stepped in , still smiling , thinking about how good it felt to remember who I was before all this chaos . But when the driver pulled up to the house , everything shifted . The front door slammed open before I even set foot on the steps . Rick's father stood there , face red , eyes wild . He pointed a trembling finger at Rick who was right behind him . " I told you not to let her go freely like that ! " Rick's father barked . His voice cracked with rage . " And you didn't listen to me . Now look at what she's done , she's shamed us ! " I stopped dead , my hand on the car door , heart pounding . My eyes flicked from one man to the other . " What ? " I asked . My voice sounded small . " What's going on ? What did I do ? " Rick's eyes found mine and they were darker than I'd ever seen . He was breathing hard , his fists clenched . His father kept yelling , words tumbling over each other . I stepped back , feeling panic crawl up my spine . " What did I do ? " I shouted this time . " Someone tell me what happened ! " Rick stormed down the steps . His eyes locked on mine . His face was tight with fury . He grabbed my wrist hard enough to make me cry out . " What are you doing ? Let me go ! " I gasped . His grip only tightened . He pulled me into the house , slamming the front door shut so hard the walls rattled . He didn't look back , dragging me through the hall . I stumbled , trying to keep up . " Rick , you're hurting me , " I said , my voice shaking . " Please stop ." He didn't speak . His breath came out in short , angry bursts . He shoved open the door to his study and pulled me inside . The door slammed shut behind us . He turned , pushing me up against the wall . His hands pinned mine above my head , his face inches from mine . 2/3 3:43 pm GD . Chapter 19 55 vouchers " Explain this , " he growled . His voice was low and lethal as he pulled his phone out of his pocket with one hand . I sucked in a breath and turned my head . My eyes landed on the photo on his phone . My blood ran cold . It was me and Andrew from earlier today , sitting in the bar . The angle made it look like our faces were almost touching , like we were kissing . 3/3 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!