After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 7

The second Waldo saw Catherine in the doorway, with Lawrence right behind her, something in his eyes just snapped. He shot up from his seat, fury practically radiating off him.

“Catherine, you really have the nerve to walk back in here.” His voice shook with anger that he clearly couldn’t keep in check. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been searching for you?”

He said it like he’d done her some huge favor.

Catherine almost laughed, but it came out bitter and silent. The truth was, for five whole years, she’d put Waldo on a pedestal. If he so much as lifted a finger, she would run to him. She would have done anything for him.

Keeping her voice steady, Catherine said, “Waldo, I’m just here to get my things.”

“Where are you moving to?” His expression grew even darker.

“That’s none of your business.” Catherine glanced at him, her tone icy.

Waldo let out a cold, mocking sound. His eyes flicked to Lawrence, full of contempt and sarcasm. “What, you’re planning to go live some miserable life with this guy? Catherine, don’t be ridiculous. He couldn’t even afford a single bathroom in this place.”

Listening to Waldo spit out those cruel words, his face twisted with anger, Catherine suddenly felt like she was looking at a stranger. Was this really the man she’d loved for five years? The one she’d given almost everything for? Was this all he was—someone who lashed out and tore others down the moment things didn’t go his way?

She took a slow breath, pushing down the sting in her chest. Then she reached out, took Lawrence’s arm, and looked Waldo straight in the eye. “Let me introduce you properly. This is my husband, Lawrence. From now on, how I live my life has nothing to do with you.”

“Husband?” The word seemed to shake Waldo. He stared at her in disbelief. “You two got married?”

Catherine’s hands curled into fists. For years, everyone thought she was just a clinging vine, always relying on Waldo—sweet, obedient, never standing up for herself. They all believed her good life and her status were thanks to him. She’d even heard people whisper behind her back that she was useless.

Maybe she’d let that happen. Maybe that’s why Waldo thought he could laugh at her now.

But not anymore.

“How I make my living is my business, Waldo. I’ll never come begging to you for anything.” Suddenly, she realized she didn’t need to waste another second arguing with him.

For five years, she’d tried so hard to be the perfect girlfriend for Waldo. She’d hidden her real self, buried her talents just to keep the peace. Not anymore.