Page 30 of Hidden Vows (Love in Ashford Falls #3)

Do you remember the day I left?

I wonder if you wish I stayed.

I don’t think you do, but I still wonder.

Dad tried to talk me out of it. He tried so hard to get me to stay, to try and work it out.

I never told him what happened—the truth or the lie. I wasn’t brave enough—strong enough—to tell him any of it. I was afraid if I told him the truth, he’d convince me it didn’t matter if he lost the bar. And I was afraid if I told him the lie, he’d never look at me the same again.

I was afraid to see the disappointment in his eyes.

I wonder if you ever told him what happened.

He’s never said anything to me, but then again, he doesn’t talk about you—he never has.

I didn’t ask him not to, it’s just something he assumed. Not that he was wrong. I can’t handle hearing about your life.

I couldn’t stand the thought of running into you around town, of seeing you fall in love with someone else, of having to watch you live a life without me by your side.

That’s why I left. And it’s why I’ll never go back.

Fifteen years to the day since I said goodbye, and I can’t get your face out of my head. I thought I’d seen heartbreak in your eyes before, but that day proved me wrong.

You were just eighteen years old, barely married two months, and your marriage was already over.

I hope you’ve found peace and happiness with whatever you’re doing. I hope all your dreams have come true. I hope…