Page 133 of The Surrender

“And it’s not because of Katherine?”

My head shakes. “I have to go.” I pull my phone out to check my Uber app. It’s fifteen minutes away. “Do you think someone can get my bags to the main gate? I feel like a walk.”

“Sure.” She waves Stan over. “I hope to see you again.” Her arms come up, and I walk into them, hugging her, neglecting to tell Anouska that she likelywillbe seeing me again. When I drop off or pick up my child.

If Jude wants to see it.

“Thanks for everything.” Releasing her, I collect my handbag, but I only make it a few paces.

I hear someone call, “Miss Lazenby!” and I stop, looking back. A man in whites is coming towards me, drying his hands on a tea towel. “I just had to apologise personally,” he says. He must catch my frown. “Sorry, I’m Henry, the executive chef here at Arlington Hall.”

“Oh, hi.” I turn to face him. “Apologise for what?”

“I run a tight ship, Miss Lazenby. I was mortified when I heard what happened with the Eton Mess.”

“Oh God.” I smile softly. “Please, mistakes happen.”

“Not on my watch. She should never have been allowed the opportunity to do that.”

“Who shouldn’t have been allowed the opportunity to do what?” I ask, confused, seeing Anouska move in closer, listening.

“What are you talking about, Henry?” she asks.

“Katherine,” he goes on. “She was seen loitering around the kitchen on the evening Miss Lazenby had her allergic reaction to the Eton Mess, which, of course, hasneverhad nuts in the recipe.”

“Oh God,” Anouska breathes, shaking her head, while I stare at Henry in disbelief.

“Did Jude know about this?” I don’t know why I’m asking. A very clear flashback of Saturday night at Evelyn’s has just hit me.

I swear, if I find out you had anything to do with it, I’ll ruin you.

He wasn’t talking about my vandalised car. I laugh to myself, looking past Henry and Anouska into Arlington Hall. I suppose he’s in there now, ruining her.

Henry looks all kinds of uncomfortable as he shifts on the spot before me. “I took it to Mr. Harrison the moment it was confirmed.”

“Which was when?”

“Sunday evening.”

I nod, feeling surprisingly calm. “Thank you, Henry.” I turn and start the walk to the gates, keeping my eyes forward, taking in as littleof my surroundings as possible. The mad bitch is welcome to him. I have more important things to deal with, and since Jude and I are no more, I will assume I’m safe from Katherine.

More important things.

Looking up at the sky, I blink, forcing the building tears back. I never ever considered having kids. I definitely didn’t consider being a single mum. I have no job now, no man.

But it could be worse.

I could have gone deeper.

I’m not sure how that’s possible, to have gone deeper, but I have to keep telling myself ...

It could be worse.

And the pain in my chestwillsubside.

One day.

Hopefully before I push a little human out of my vagina and have to get my shit together. Jesus Christ, I’m going to be a mum. Am I ready? No. But I wasn’t ready for Jude Harrison, and he was one bombshell after another. This little thing inside me can’t possibly hurt me as much as he did.