All Chapters of HIS REGRET AFTER I WALKED AWAY : Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

CATHERINE'S POVDecember had barely started, yet the air was already biting cold. I lay there with my legs sprawled across the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling while the angry shouts rose from downstairs."Catherine Kingsley, first you can't give us a child, now you won't even cook dinner on time? What do you want? Planning to starve me and Walker to death?"Kate Walker's voice sharp as shattered glass echoed through the house. It always did.For six years of marriage to Ryan Brook, I have listened to these same accusations. Kate has never missed a chance to call me useless. A hen that couldn't lay eggs. But no one ever wondered why Ryan has never touched me. Not once. Not since the day we were married."Get down here already and fix my school bag! I'm late for class!"That was Walker, Ryan's teenage brother. His voice cut through the air, impatient and loud, like the world revolved around him. Since the day I stepped in

CATHERINE'S POVMichael stood waiting at the gate, his hands in his pockets, watching me walk toward him.The cool air carried a stillness that seemed to follow me. When I smiled, it wasn't forced. It was lighter than anything he had seen on my face in years."You've finally made up your mind?" he asked. His voice was careful, almost teasing."I've never been so sure."My steps slowed, but the certainty in my words never did. For a moment, Michael just stared at me. That glow on my face reminded him of the girl I used to be, the one who laughed without worry, long before six years of weight had dulled my spirit."I was starting to think you'd never break free," he muttered, shaking his head. "Honestly, I thought you'd stay stuck forever. Six years, Catherine. What did you even see in that man?"I gave a small laugh, more self mocking than amused. "Don't remind me. I ask myself the same thing now. Why was I so blind?"

CATHERINE'S POVThe morning came too quickly. I hadn't slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Ryan's face—not the cold version, but the way he looked six years ago when he promised me anything. Anything but love.I dressed carefully. Not for him. For me. A navy blue dress I hadn't worn in years, one that reminded me of who I was before the Brook house swallowed me whole.Michael texted: You want me to drive you?No. I need to do this alone.I'll be outside anyway. Don't argue.I almost smiled.Aunt Larisa's office sat on the tenth floor. I had been here once before—the day I signed the marriage papers. Back then, I trembled with hope. Now I walked with the heavy certainty of someone who had nothing left to lose.Ryan was already there.He sat in a leather chair, his posture rigid, his suit perfectly tailored. But when his eyes met mine, I saw something unexpected. He looked tired. Not late-