The Billionaire’s Wedding Trap - Chapter 18: Chapter 18

The sterile white walls of the hospital hallway closed in around me as I walked, my mind racing. The sharp scent of antiseptic twisted my stomach into knots—it was the same smell that had clung to the air the day my father died in this very building.
I came to see Cain, to check on his gunshot wound, but every step forward made me want to turn back. Still, I forced myself to keep moving until I reached his room.
Pausing outside the door, I drew in a shaky breath before pushing it open.
The bed was empty.
My heart plummeted. The sheets were rumpled where he'd been lying, but now the room was hollow, silent.
I stepped inside, confusion knotting my brow, just as a nurse appeared behind me with a gentle, pitying smile.
"Miss Macmillan?" she asked softly.
I swallowed. "Yes. Where's Cain? The man who was in this room?"
She sighed, moving closer. "Mr. Blackwood is gone."
A sharp breath escaped me. "Gone where? Is he—" My voice cracked. "Did he die?"
"No, no," she said quickly. "He left this morning. Discharged himself."
My pulse hammered in my throat. "Just like that? Was he even healed enough to walk out?"
She shook her head. "He refused to stay. Didn't say where he was going. But before he left..." She held out a folded envelope. "He asked me to give this to you."
I hesitated before taking it. The nurse slipped away, leaving me alone. With trembling fingers, I unfolded the note.
Elle,
By the time you read this, I'll be gone.
I don't deserve to be here, not after everything I've done to you. I was selfish. Manipulative. Blind to your love. You gave me everything, and I threw it away—for greed, for power, for something that was never mine to take.
You deserve peace. And I'll never be able to give you that. I realize now... I was never the man you needed. I won't hold you back anymore.
I signed the divorce papers. It's official. You're free.
I hope you find happiness, Elle. I'm so sorry.
- Cain
Tears blurred the words as I finished. On the bedside table, the signed divorce papers sat waiting.
For the first time in years, I took a full, deep breath.
Cain was gone.
I was free.
When I stepped back into my apartment, the warm aroma of something delicious wrapped around me. I dropped my purse, kicked off my heels, and wandered toward the dining room—then froze.
James stood by the table, setting down a bottle of wine beside two plates. Candles flickered between fresh flowers. He turned, grinning, arms open.
"You're home," he said, pulling me into a hug.
I exhaled, sinking into him. "Yeah. I'm home."
His fingers brushed my cheek. "You okay? You look..."
"Sad?" I offered.
He nodded.
"I went to the hospital. He was already gone."
James searched my face. "And how do you feel?"
A weight lifted from my chest. "Lighter. Happy."
His smile widened. "Then let's celebrate."
Dinner was laughter and easy conversation, the kind I hadn't known in years. For the first time in forever, my smile was real.
Afterward, we drifted to the balcony, the city lights stretching below us. I leaned against the railing, the night breeze cool against my skin.
James wrapped his arms around me from behind, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. "What's on your mind?"
"The past," I admitted. "The early days with Cain... I loved him. I dreamed about our future—the family we'd have, the life we'd build. I believed in him."
I exhaled slowly. "Then he shattered it. So many lies. So much betrayal. But now... I know the truth."
James turned me toward him, cupping my face. "And with me?"
I met his gaze. "Yes. With you."
His lips found mine, sweet and sure. When we parted, he rested his forehead against mine.
"No point looking back," I whispered.
"No looking back," he echoed.
And for the first time, I meant it.
The future was wide open.
Smiling, I pulled him closer.