Page 32 of Unmasking Secrets
Once everything was saved and submitted for approval, I cleaned up the last of my things and put them in the box—the last box. I used to hide all of this stuff in the closet. Ryan hated my having something that was just mine. He’d thrown away plenty of my costumes and even a couple of ring lights, as if it could stop me.
“Is that everything?” Max crosses his arms at the doorway.
I nod. “Everything else packed up?”
He smiles. “The movers are ready to go when you are.” His large frame takes up most of the space before he walks closer and picks up the box.
Chills run down my spine, and I blow out a shaky breath. “He should be here any minute.”
“Are you sure you want to do this in person?” He arches a brow.
I know he means well. Max was among the first friends I made in the cosplay community. It helped that he also lived nearby. “I just need a witness.”
“I’m always here for you.” His expression softens. “How are you feeling?”
“I started bleeding,” I blurt out and then swallow. “So, it’s happening.” I can feel the cramps in my lower back coming again.
“You’re going to get through this, Tab. I know it was a tough decision, but it was yours to make. Your choice. You’re going to come out stronger on the other side of this.”
I wipe at the tear forming and nod.
We barely make it down the stairs and into the foyer when the door slams open.
“What the fuck is going on?” Ryan shouts.
Max doesn’t move from my side as Ryan steps closer.
I twist the key off my keyring. The old keychain is a little frayed and discolored, but theI Love Flyingcan still be read. There’s a little red heart instead of the word love. I place my key down on top of the papers and slide it across the small entryway table.
“I packed up my clothes and the few things that belonged to my family. I don’t want anything of yours or anything from you.”
Ryan glances down at the paper. “What’s going on?” His face is red even as he attempts to keep his cool in front of the company.
I breathe through the cramps and place my wedding ring next to the key. “Divorce papers.”
“You can’t be serious.” Ryan scoffs.
“I don’t want the house, the vacation house, the cars, none of it.”
“Why?” He fists the papers, causing the key and ring to be flung somewhere across the room.
“I think we both know why. I can’t do this anymore. I want a divorce.” My voice shakes a little as I attempt to keep my calm and not scream.
“But, I love you.” Ryan’s face softens, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
“It’s over, Ryan. I’m leaving.”
He moves as if he wants to step in my way, but thinks better of it. It helps to have a best friend who is nearly twice the size of him.
“You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.” He shouts as we walk out the door.
I’d expect nothing less. Even though I’m in pain physically, the weight of the world slips off my shoulders as I climb into Max’s car. I don’t bother looking back. This has been a long time coming.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
TABITHA
Max:Everything okay?
