บททั้งหมดของ Walking Out Made My Life Perfect: บทที่ 1 - บทที่ 8

It was late at night when Elliot paid a rare visit to my room. He'd rarely spent time with me ever since Margot moved into the Sheppard residence three years ago.Back then, he'd explained that we had to commit to every last bit of the act if we were going to convince everyone. And since Margot was his wife in name, he had to treat her right and make sure she never had to suffer under the Sheppard family roof. She had no family or power, so he was her only shield. But he'd never once stopped to ask what it'd been like for me living in the Sheppard residence alone for the last three years, drowning in its silent hostility.It'd been so long since we'd looked into each other's eyes like this that I felt awkward and even a little choked up.His eyes were what I'd always loved most about him. And whenever he looked at me like that, I used to believe I was the only one he loved.Like always, he habitually cupped my cheeks. "I'm sorry you've had to go through so much, Celeste. "I've

After getting off the plane and riding on buses and cars, I travelled for two days before finally arriving home.Standing at the gates where the familiar lands stretched out beneath my feet, I couldn't bring myself to push the door.Years ago, Elliot and I had fallen in love when he came here for a business trip. I'd left with him for the south without a second thought.Mom had never approved from the start, but she couldn't change my mind. So for ten years, I kept every grievance and heartache to myself, for fear that she'd worry.Now that I was back, I wasn't sure how I should face her.While I was deep in thought, the door opened, and Mom appeared. In that instant, I could see what time had done to us—how I'd grown hollow and worn, and how much she'd aged.As our eyes fell on each other's faces, they instantly welled up with tears.Mom stepped forward to pull me into her arms and held my thin shoulders. "All that matters is that you're home now. Losing you is the Sheppard fam

Lucian took me to the races.The stadium thundered with deafening shouts and whistles as everyone cheered for their chosen horse to win the intense race. I was just as caught up in the rush.When the race ended, a staff member brought over the winnings. "That's a lot." I gasped."Mr. Valmont placed bets on every horse."I puzzledly turned to him, and he explained, "I didn't want you to feel disappointment. "Celeste, you don't actually think I took you riding every day just for fun, do you?"His brows were raised in a teasing arch, while his eyes were dark and impossible to look away from. I could feel my cheeks flush with heat and my heart pounding as I asked, "Why then?"He smirked and leaned in with one hand bracing on the back of my chair. "I expanded my grandpa's stables abroad the moment I took over my family business. And when I heard you were back, I dropped everything and rushed home."I had your favorite horse chosen for you and gathered every little thing you might

I woke up in a pitch-dark warehouse with my hands and feet bound.Elliot stood there, disheveled and staring at me with unblinking intensity.Still weak and sluggish, I warily glared at him. "Have you gone insane? How dare you kidnap me?"He let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, I'm very much insane, and it's all your fault! You abandoned me and our son, and now you're seeing that jerk who ruined my company!"I was shocked to hear that, as I never knew how much Lucian had done for me behind the scenes.Seeing me distracted, Elliot's anger flared. "Tell me, why did you leave me? You promised you'd love me only for the rest of your life!"If you won't say it, I'll drag you back to the Sheppard residence and make sure you can only be my wife!"I spat at him. "In your dreams! If you do that, I'll fucking kill you!"He threw his head back and cackled manically, his eyes red with anger. And somehow, tears started streaming down his cheeks. "Fine! Before I die, I want my last second to be wi