Page 83 of Rulebreaker

“I met someone,” I say when I can’t stand the silence or my own dark thoughts for another second. “I thought he loved me but we wound up breaking each other’s hearts. I guess it’s my own fault for trusting him. I thought we had a future… something solid. Something to look forward to.”

“You… deserve… that.” His voice is a raspy croak that makes my head shoot up.

“Stan?” I gape at him. I can’t remember the last time we had a real conversation. “What do you need?” I ask quickly. “Should I call the nurse or–”

“Shh.” He squeezes my hand. “It won’t be… long now. I can feel it. Just sit and talk to me. I’d like it if… your voice is the last thing I hear before I go.”

Tears puddle in my eyes but I nod. “Okay. What do you want me to talk about?”

“Tell me about your… young man.”

I manage to smile through my tears. “He’s… his name is Atlas. He’s gorgeous and successful and a really good man.”

“So what happened?”

He’s been a victim of his own mind for years but now that he’s suddenly lucid we’re having a conversation about the man in my life?

“I didn’t tell him I was married. He’s not happy about it.”

Not happy is an understatement.

Hurt.

Angry.

Frustrated.

Much like I am.

“You want me to talk to him?”

I force another watery smile. “That would be interesting.”

“I’m sorry, Elizabeth.”

“Don’t worry about me,” I whisper. “I’ll be just fine.”

“Tired.”

“Rest,” I say. “I’m going to be okay.”

“Fight for… him,” he says, his voice firmer than before. “For your future… promise me.”

What on earth do I say to that?

“I promise.”

His eyes have been closed this whole time but they open now and he meets my gaze without hesitation. “Don’t let Harrison take a dime from you–hear me?” Harrison is his attorney-friend, the same guy who’s made it impossible for me tofinalize our divorce.

I chuckle despite the circumstances. “Oh, believe me–I won’t.”

“Just like I taught you.” He lets out a sigh that turns into a cough. “I’m ready, Elizabeth.”

Tears spill down my cheeks and I’m helpless to stop them.

I honestly didn’t think it would be so hard, but I also didn’t expect him to wake up.

“Don’t…cry. It’s my time.” His voice fades at the end and he gently squeezes my hand.