Chapter 3

When Declan pulled his black Mercedes G-Wagon around, Ainsley reached for the passenger door.

"You sit in back," he said.

Ainsley whined. "No, I'll get carsick back there. You always let me ride up front—"

"We're going to the family house today. It's different. Get in back."

Ainsley pouted and climbed into the back seat.

She saw me still standing outside and curled her lip. "Get in. Go sit in your seat."

I didn't really care where I sat.

The cashmere blanket I'd kept in the passenger seat was gone. My lipstick and sunscreen had been cleared out of the glove compartment. The flats I kept on the floor had been thrown away. Declan said they were in the way.

Six years sleeping next to him. Of course I knew what he was doing.

Ainsley had mentioned in the group chat a couple of years ago that she wanted to move back to Chicago. So Declan cleared out the passenger seat. Made sure it wasn't mine anymore. Made sure Ainsley could sit there comfortably whenever she wanted.

I didn't care anymore.

Opened the door. Got in back. Leaned against the headrest and closed my eyes.

---

The car pulled up to the family estate in Lake Forest.

Years ago, Declan had renovated a lakeside property. Built a modern mansion. Fenced the grounds. Meals were served on the patio.

By the time we arrived, the relatives were already there. All gathered in the yard, drinking and chatting.

"Declan! There's champagne and appetizers over here."

"Look at you, kid, making money in Chicago. Driving a G-Wagon now. When are you going to let Uncle Robert ride in it?"

"Oh, Ainsley! Haven't seen you in years. You've gotten even prettier."

"LA life didn't suit you, did it? Stay a few days this time."

Everyone crowded around Declan and Ainsley like they were the couple.

I went inside. Found the guest room they'd assigned to me. Packed my passport, social security card, all those documents into my bag.

When I came back out, everyone was already seated at the long table.

There was exactly one empty spot.

Patricia shoved a plate and utensils into my hands. Gave me a fake smile. "The hostess should give her seat to a guest, don't you think? You can either eat in the kitchen with the children, or I'll put together a small plate for you and you can eat in the living room."

Declan stood up. Stepped between me and his mother.

"Mom. Go eat."

He turned to me.

"Take my seat."

"It's fine," I said. "I'm not hungry. I'll wait inside."

I wasn't here for the food anyway.

Declan started to say something else, but I was already walking inside. He shut his mouth.

I sat in the study. Scrolled flights on my phone for tomorrow morning. Got the transfer paperwork sorted. Confirmed everything with the overseas contact via email. Checked the time—eight at night.

I went back to the patio. Found Declan.

"When are we leaving?"

Ainsley shoved me aside. Drunk. "Why are you always such a downer? No wonder everyone hates you. Declan, don't listen to her. Let's keep drinking."

Relatives behind them called for Declan to stay.

"A little longer," Declan said. "It's still early—"

"I'm going back first."

I turned and walked away. Called an Uber. Went back to the apartment in the city.

Packed all my luggage.

Then took out the divorce papers my lawyer had prepared. Signed them. Used a water glass to hold them down on the kitchen island.

It was almost midnight when I finished.

I ate pasta I cooked myself. Opened Instagram. Posted a photo of my boarding pass at Heathrow.

Caption: *New beginnings. ✈️*

Refreshed. The latest group photo from the Thornton family chat appeared.

Ainsley had one arm linked through Declan's, the other through Patricia's. Smiling sweetly at the camera. Everyone looked so happy.

I turned off the screen. Texted Declan:

*Early flight to London tomorrow. Don't look for me. Divorce papers are on the kitchen island under a glass. Sign them.*

He was probably too drunk to check his phone. Good. Gave me some peace.

---

Declan and Ainsley never came home that night.

In the morning, I saw Patricia's Facebook post—she'd made them eggs Benedict for breakfast. They'd stayed overnight at the family house.

I turned off my phone.

Left the apartment keys on the entryway console. Declan would see them as soon as he walked in.

Closed the door.

Called an Uber to O'Hare. Security. Boarding. Long flight.