After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 348

She was soaking up the life that should have belonged to Catherine, and the thought made Waldo feel absolutely sick.

This clueless woman had stolen something, and she was terrible at covering her own tracks. He could already see how this was all going to end.

Shirley turned to see Waldo’s face, but all she found was a look of cold disgust and contempt. That look cut straight through her. She felt frozen, like she’d just been struck by lightning.

Waldo was the man she loved the most in the world, but right now, he didn’t offer her a bit of comfort. All she got was his revulsion.

Terrance said a few more things to wrap things up, and then the hearing was over for the day. They’d wait for the results of the technical analysis before the next round in court.

Catherine hadn’t won yet, at least not officially, but anyone could see she would. She just had this unstoppable, fearless energy about her. Meanwhile, Shirley looked anxious and guilty, like she was about to fall apart.

***

People started leaving the courtroom. In the hallway, Catherine and Nettie ducked into the restroom. When they came out, Lawrence and Nicol were waiting for them.

On the other side, Shirley grabbed her bag and rushed out, just in time to see Waldo leaving without even looking back at her. He didn’t seem to care if she followed or not.

She hurried after him. “Waldo, wait for me.”

Waldo kept his face blank. He wouldn’t even look at her, treating her like a stranger.

“You really think I should wait for you?” Waldo’s voice was sharp.

“Waldo, don’t forget, I’m still your wife,” Shirley insisted, letting her stubborn side show.

Waldo’s eyes went cold. “My wife? You think you deserve that title? All you’ve ever done is disgrace me.”

“Just go,” Waldo said coldly.

The whole scene with Shirley getting slapped had been witnessed by Catherine, Lawrence, Nettie, and Nicol. Shirley, still holding her face, looked at them, her eyes burning. She bit her lip, then snapped at Catherine. “Are you happy now? How much more do you want to ruin my life?”

Catherine let out a cold laugh. “When did I ever try to ruin you? You’re the one who’s always gone after me.”

Nettie jumped in. “Shirley, are you seriously playing the victim? Haven’t you bullied Catherine enough since you were kids?”

Shirley spun her anger on Nettie. “Who do you think you are, talking to me? You’re just some nobody designer making trashy clothes. I wouldn’t be caught dead in your stuff.”

Nettie wasn’t about to let that slide. “Honestly, you’re not even good enough to wear anything I make.”