Kill the Mistress, Not My Problem! - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I didn't even notice when Ryan slipped away. When I stepped out later, I spotted a bank card lying on the coffee table. What was this supposed to be—guilt money? A payoff? I hesitated for all of three seconds before pocketing it. Hey, who turns down free cash? After everything, I'd earned it.
Life settled back into its easy rhythm with Little Blossom by my side. No more ghosts of Ryan or Emma haunting me—just peace. Well, mostly. Patrick still reached out now and then, dropping tidbits about them like breadcrumbs, whether he meant to or not. Like how Ryan's visit to me had been off the books—no Carter family, no Emma. Or how Ryan still hadn't brought Emma home, stashing her somewhere else instead. Apparently, she'd thrown a fit, giving him the silent treatment for three whole days before pulling another vanishing act. But this time, Ryan didn't chase her. And guess what? She came crawling back on her own.
Patrick asked about my plans. I actually took a second to think about it. Plans? Nah. Life moves forward, with or without you. The past was just dust in the wind now. All I cared about was living well—on my own terms.