Page 50 of Best Kept Vows

As Ada and I held hands while we watched a musician playQue Sara, Que Saraon his guitar in the middle of the park on a beautiful summer’s day in Savannah, I finally understood, with a clarity I didn’t have before, that to win back my wife, I needed to start by being a better man, for not just her, but also for Ada and Tristan.

But even more important than all that? I needed to do this for myself so that I could be the best version of myself, one I could be proud of.

CHAPTER 19

Ophelia

Aurora had left the key to her apartment with the building's concierge. I didn’t know why these women had become friends and confidantes so quickly, but they had, and I was grateful.

I unpacked like I was settling into a hotel, even though the two-bedroom apartment was nothing like one. It was charming, cozy—warm in a way that didn’t feel staged. And strangely, I felt more at home here, in this borrowed space, than I had in years in that sprawling house where we raised our children. That house had become a museum of obligation, while this felt like a possibility.

It felt strange to be in a space that was mine alone after twenty-two years of sharing a home, a life, and every square inch of myself with my husband and children. I had braced for the grief, and yes, it was there—quiet and persistent. But what caught me off guard was the flicker of excitement that pulsed beneath it. A quiet thrill at the unfamiliar silence, atthe knowledge that this space, for once, belonged entirely to me.

I didn’t enjoy change, which is why it took me time to do new things—like getting my MBA and finding a job. I was also risk averse in general, and usually overthought things.

Why did I say that to Coco last Sunday?

I should stand up to Dolly—but I have to do it without making Sebastian angry.

Maybe I should’ve worn the blue dress, pink was a bit much.

I should’ve asked Sebastian before I bought that painting.

Will it annoy Sebastian if I invite my family over for Christmas?

So, not only standing up to Sebastian but also walking out of our home was totally out of character for me.

I texted Aurora and thanked her for letting me stay in her beautiful apartment. She replied with a thumbs-up emoji.

I stepped out of the apartment at the same time as my neighbor.

Luna had told me that her brother, an Irish twin, had moved into the apartment building while his house was being treated for termites and going through some renovation.

“Hi,” the man, who I assumed was Lev Steele, said when he saw me and confirmed my suspicion when he extended his hand. “Lia Boone?”

He had a good handshake, firm andfriendly.

“Lev?”

“Yeah.”

He was in his mid-thirties and quite handsome. Like Luna, he had auburn hair and green eyes. He was dressed in workout gear: shorts and a T-shirt.

We took the stairs together.

Now, I wasn’t blind, so I could see this was what one would callhot stuff,and I wasn’t a prude, so I enjoyed it when he walked me to my car at his insistence.

Lev moved with athleticism, and I caught myself sneaking glances at him—not in a serious way, but in the way a woman who hadn’t felt truly seen in a long time sometimes did. Also, he had a great ass.

“Heading somewhere fun?” he asked.

I beeped my car, which was parked on the street, and let out a small laugh. “Not particularly. I’m going to see my father-in-law for lunch. You?”

“Pick-up soccer at Forsyth Park. You play?”

“Soccer?” I asked, surprised.

“Yeah.” He seemed to think that was a normal thing to ask me.