Tristan's Loins Read Online Free Page A

from
the marriage. It’s a sweet deal, Selene. You will not get better.
Take the deal."
    "You’re probably right."
    "I know I’m," the attorney said and opened
the file.
    "Alright, I'll agree," Selene surprised her
by saying. "No point in dragging it out anymore."
    Laura sighed in relief. "You had me worried.
I thought you would come in here swinging again."
    "No, it's what he wants," Selene shook her
head sadly. "I'm not fighting it anymore. I can't take this. I have
to move on too."
    Laura smiled and patted her hand. "You
deserve better than that asshole, Selene. Trust me, one day you
will agree with me. You’re doing the right thing."
    Selene signed the documents Laura presented
her. "Is this it? What happens next?"
    "This is it," Laura took the papers and put
them in a file. "The next time you see me, we will have your
official hearing before the judge. You’re a free woman now. Here is
the settlement and the payoff on the car."
    Selene accepted the envelope, her hand
shaking slightly. Her husband had given in. A part of her was glad;
the other was disappointed. Getting this hollow victory today
forced her to accept it was finally over.
    "Where is Jim?" Selene put the envelope in
her purse.
    Laura made a face. "He and the girlfriend are
in Russell's office waiting for you to sign off."
    "They seemed awfully sure of me."
    "Selene, just let it go," Laura offered
softly, compassion in her eyes. "You're better than this. You and I
both know that girl is in this for his money. When he realizes it,
he will regret doing this to you. Karma is coming for him, trust
me."
    Selene silently agreed and stood up. "Ok, I
guess were done here."
    "My secretary will contact you with the final
court date, Selene," Laura said and smiled. "I'll see you then.
Good luck."
    Selene felt numb as she left Russell's
office, not waiting around to see Jim and Ginny leave. She had no
perverse desire to see them together today. No, she determined that
was the last thing she wanted. Her heart ached as she got into her
car and drove away. It was as if the last ten years had not even
mattered.
    Selene saw flashes of their life together
from the beginning in fast forward until the moment she signed
those documents, ending it. It was surreal. She felt a bitterness
in her mouth to know real life was never as wonderful as the make
believe in her novels. No reality was a pay-off , not a happily
ever after.
    Selene stopped at the Dairy Queen on her way
to the dealership. A brownie sundae might have tasted good any
other day. Today the chocolate desert she loved stuck in her
throat. She paid off her car and deposited the settlement check
into her savings account. Then she went home, glad she had nothing
else better to do today.
    Selene went into her bedroom and took off the
black suit, burying it in the back of her closet, knowing she would
never wear it again. She did not realize she was crying until she
felt the tears splatter upon her hands. She closed her eyes and
wiped them away. No! She would not do this today! Tears would not
give her back the last ten years of her life or stop her heart from
aching.
    Selene vowed she would give no other thoughts
to her impending divorce today. She threw herself into doing what
she had put off the last six months. She unpacked the boxes and
bins stacked in her living room and bedroom. After three hours, it
looked more like home. She lit several fragrance jar candles and
enjoyed the sight of her things adorning the walls and tables.
    Finally she had time to sit in front of the
computer and think about the strange morning conversation with
Tristan de Montfort of all people. She laughed as she turned on the
computer. It was obviously some delusion brought on by her taut
emotions and stress.
    She was reviewing her outline and did not see
the computer screen opened to Tristan's room once more. He was
dressed and the comely maid was gone. He appeared distraught.
Selene looked up and uttered a curse to see him once