After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 13

Lawrence noticed every little shift in her expression, catching the flicker of embarrassment and confusion in her eyes. He didn’t make a big deal out of it, and there wasn’t even a hint of annoyance. He just spoke in his usual calm way. “If you’re ever uncomfortable or need anything, just let me know.”

His kindness and respect helped Catherine finally relax. She looked up and managed a grateful smile. “Okay. I will. Thank you.”

Lawrence just nodded, then turned and left the master bedroom, quietly closing the door behind him.

Catherine took a long, steady breath and looked around at the space that was now hers. The room was huge, and a few small models sat neatly on the countertop.

She wandered out to the terrace, her emotions all tangled up inside her. In just one day, her whole life had changed completely.

She’d left Waldo. She’d left home. Now she was stepping into a new life with another man.

It was scary and a little overwhelming, but it was also full of newness, curiosity, and a kind of freedom she hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Take it slow, Catherine,” she whispered to herself, her eyes clear and determined. “This is a new beginning.”

There was no reason to rush things with Lawrence. If she put her heart into it, happiness would come in time.

***

Back at the Blair house, everyone was in a frenzy.

Nestor had already called more than a dozen times, but Catherine hadn’t picked up once.

Now, as she glanced at her phone lighting up in silent mode, she frowned, took a deep breath, and picked it up. It was Nestor again.

“Dad, Shirley is not my sister. My mom only had me, and last night wasn’t an accident. Shirley pushed me into the ocean.” Catherine’s voice trembled with anger.

“Shirley would never do that. You were drunk and fell in yourself. How can you blame her?” Nestor sounded even angrier, not believing a single word Catherine said.

That sentence cut deeper than any before. Whatever hope she’d had for her father’s support was gone.

A wave of hurt, anger, and disappointment crashed over her.

“You believe everything she says, but what about me? Does what I say mean nothing to you?”

Shirley was Nestor’s illegitimate daughter, born from his affair with Alice after he married Catherine’s mother. When her mom passed away, Nestor brought Shirley into their home right away. From that day on, Catherine’s happy life was over.