CHAPTER 215: THE COST OF CHOICE

Sutton had his back to the door, his arms folded across his chest. He was wearing a mulish expression, his jaw set. “Samantha, we cannot pretend that what we have what we had— is not real. We can’t pretend that there’s no ‘us’” Samantha stopped mid-step and faced him, her eyes blazing with frustration. “This is not real, Sutton. This—” she gestured wildly between them,”—this is a mistake. I’m married. I can’t do this.” Sutton’s expression wavered, but he didn’t move. “I know you're conflicted, but—” “No!” she interrupted, her voice rising. “I’ve made my decision. I need you to leave. Now.” Sutton’s face fell, his shoulders slumping slightly as if he weighed the world on his shoulders. “Samantha, listen. I know this is hard. But we can't just shut the door on everything we've shared. It's not that simple.” She shook her head, her lips clamped together tightly. “You really believe that I am unaware of that?’ Though it is not all about us, there are much higher stakes involved. My ma