Chapter 10 - THE FINAL SIGNATUREThe annulment hearing lasted less than twenty minutes.
Alan didn't appear.
He was already running.
Avery signed the final documents.
Her hand didn't shake.
Outside the courthouse, cameras waited.
A reporter asked:
"Do you regret marrying Alan Cole?"
Avery paused.
Then answered:
"I regret trusting the wrong person."
"Do you blame your father?"
Avery looked toward Clifford.
"No."
Then she smiled.
"My father protected me when I couldn't protect myself."
Clifford felt something break inside his chest.
Not pain.
Relief.
For the first time in months, his daughter was standing beside him.
Not behind him.
May you like
Not between them.
Beside him.
Related Stories
Chapter 11 - THE MOTELAlan had lost everything.
Chapter 12 - THE RUN"STATE POLICE!"
Chapter 13 - THE HANDCUFFSAlan struggled.
Chapter 14 - THE EMPTY HOUSEThat night, Avery returned to the ranch.
Chapter 15 - THE LONG SILENCEThe months that followed were quiet.
Chapter 16 - THE DAUGHTER COMES HOMESix months later, autumn arrived in Texas.
