The words hit like a physical blow. A chill radiated from my core, freezing the blood in my veins.
Suddenly, the pieces fit. No wonder Elijah had asked for a divorce the second year of our marriage.
Back then, I was young, foolish, so full of love that I refused to let go. He never brought it up again, so I thought we'd moved past it.
I was wrong.
I stood rooted, trembling.
Elijah looked stricken. His brow furrowed, expression caught between confusion and heartache.
"I'm sorry, Amy. I'm so sorry. It's all my fault."
He crushed her into his embrace. She collapsed against his shoulder, wailing openly.
He stroked her back, wiping her tears with frantic tenderness. His voice cracked. "I was too late. I let you suffer. But I'm taking you away. Right now. We won't ever be separated again."
They held each other until Amy gradually quieted. She lifted her head, and her teary gaze shifted past him—landing on me.
She froze. "What about her?"
Elijah didn't even turn fully around. He caught a glimpse of me and sneered.
"She doesn't decide for me. Ignore her."
He turned his back completely, taking Amy's hand. His voice softened. "Let's go. We've wasted enough time."