After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 60

"It's almost time to clock out. What do you want for dinner?" Lawrence asked, glancing over at her.

"We already ate out for lunch, so let’s just go home and whip up something easy," Catherine replied. Honestly, she’d had enough of restaurant food with all its heavy sauces. Nothing beat a meal her husband made for her.

"Alright. How about your favorite braised chicken wings tonight?" Lawrence grinned, his voice low and warm.

Sunset light poured through the window, stretching their shadows across the floor, the two shapes blending into one, cozy and close.

Lawrence looked down at Catherine, this woman who was finally letting herself shine. He felt something new bubbling up inside him, a hope that one day, her light would fill his whole world.

Later, Catherine walked with Lawrence to the neighborhood market to pick up groceries for dinner. The place was just a short stroll from their apartment. They picked out a fresh fish and some fruit. Catherine didn't carry a thing; Lawrence had all the bags in his hands.

The evening breeze had a little bite to it. Lawrence had one hand full of groceries, and his other was tucked gently into Catherine’s.

As they neared home, they spotted a sleek black sports car parked by the curb. Its flashy, aggressive lines looked wildly out of place beside their simple black iron gate.

Waldo was in the driver’s seat, glaring at the two of them as they walked up, hand in hand. His eyes dropped to the grocery bags Lawrence was carrying, and his face twisted in anger.

This was the man Catherine had picked? Was this really the life she chose—living so simply, even going to the market herself?

Waldo shoved his car door open and slammed it shut, the sound echoing through the quiet street. He shot Lawrence a look sharp enough to cut, but his real pain was saved for Catherine.

Waldo let out a bitter laugh, looking Lawrence up and down. "Simple happiness? What does he have to offer except cheap tricks to win you over?"

Catherine knew Waldo too well. He’d grown up rich, pampered, always looking down on everyone else. Of course he’d never see Lawrence as good enough.

She didn’t even want to argue anymore. She slipped her arm through Lawrence’s and said, "Waldo, how we live is none of your business. Please just go."

Waldo’s face darkened. He knew that even if he managed to crush Lawrence, it wouldn’t bring him any peace. All he wanted was for Catherine to come back to him.

He tried a different tactic, softening his voice, just a hint of pleading in it. "Catherine, if you want this kind of life, I can give it to you too. Just come back to me."