Divorce: The Only Way Out

nths p

dream of Innovatech was on hold, replaced by the harsh reality of survival. I worked two jobs to make ends meet: coding for a small st

into my bank account every month. A generous sum, enough for me to live comfortably without w

e in that account was a monument to my independence, a

er and cheap perfume. I was wiping down the counter, my mind a blank slate of exha

as O

shoulders, was Marcus Thorne. They were with a group of

mered against my ribs. What were they doing here? In San Francisco?

a cheap, stained apron, my hair was a mess, and I probably smelled like spilled tequila. This wa

d I went down hard, my knee slamming into the edge of a beer keg. A sharp, searing

e, buddy?" my boss, a burly

ted, trying to

ention. I looked up and saw Marcus Thorne staring dire

r eyes met mine. The laughter died on her lips. Her face went pale,

strode over to the bar, his expensive

eir group to hear. "Look what we have here. Ethan Miller, in the fles

sensation, a hot flush that spread across my face and neck. Their entire group was staring at me now, t

throbbing in protest. I stared at Olivia, waiting for her to say s

ozen, her eyes wide with

essor with a smug face, turned to Mar

livia and I used to know back at the university. A bit of a sad case, r

han the fall. A sad case.

heart pleading with her

urned to her. "Is that ri

iting for her answer. I held my breath.

ace-shock, embarrassment, pity. Then, she took a small step back, away from the bar, away

as barely a whisper, she said the words tha

king straight at me