After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 61

Catherine let out a short laugh, her eyes sharp and clear as she stared at him. “Waldo, listen. He can give me something you never could.”

Waldo looked completely thrown. “What’s that?” he asked, almost desperate.

She didn’t hesitate. “Real trust and respect. He actually appreciates me, believes in me.”

Waldo’s face clouded over. What had Lawrence been putting in her head? How could she use words like that to cut him down? He was so much better than Lawrence in every way, but Catherine couldn’t see it anymore.

“Catherine.” Waldo sighed, voice softer. “I know I messed up before.”

Lawrence reached for Catherine’s hand. “Let’s go home.”

He glanced at Waldo, his eyes calm, not a trace of smugness, just this quiet confidence that made it clear who was in control.

Suddenly, Waldo took a step forward. “Catherine, don’t go. You know I can give you the best of everything...”

Catherine didn’t even look back. “Just leave,” she said, tossing the words over her shoulder.

Waldo watched her walk through the iron gate, anger and frustration twisting inside him. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, a vein pulsed at his temple.

Catherine meant so much more to him now than just someone he loved. Her reputation in tech was unmatched. Her research papers could shape the future of the industry. If only she would come back, she could be his wife and help his company reach a whole new level.

“Catherine, I’m not giving up,” Waldo whispered to the empty air. “One day, you’ll see I’m the only one who can make you happy. I’m the only one who’s good enough for you.”

He stared at the closed gate, his gaze burning with longing and frustration.

Inside their cozy house, Lawrence was already in the kitchen, getting dinner started. Catherine wandered out to the swing in the yard, a shiny new apple in hand. She took a bite, sweet and crisp, and gently rocked back and forth, watching through the window as her husband moved around the stove.

“You didn’t get anything ready?” he asked gently, understanding immediately.

Catherine nodded, looking down. “No. Would you... could you go to the supermarket and get me some pads?”

She felt silly for asking, even though he was her husband. It was still embarrassing.

“Just tell me the brand and the type you usually use. I’ll go right now,” Lawrence said, his voice warm and serious, not teasing at all.

Catherine blinked, relief and gratitude in her eyes. “Okay, I’ll text you.”

“Alright,” he said, grabbing his car keys and heading out without another word.