David Comes Home
Chapter 11 - David Comes Home
David returned three weeks later.
Not permanently.
To collect clothes.
Anna allowed it because Rachel was present.
David looked thinner.
Older.
The investigation had consumed everything.
Mitchell Construction filed for bankruptcy protection.
Robert Ellis was arrested in Florida.
Caroline cooperated with prosecutors.
Emily did too.
David walked through the bedroom packing shirts.
Anna stood in the doorway.
"Why, David?"
He stopped.
"For money?"
He shook his head.
"Then why?"
David sat on the bed.
"My father died believing I could save the company."
Anna stared.
"So?"
"I couldn't."
His eyes filled.
"I couldn't be the man everyone thought I was."
Anna almost felt pity.
Then she remembered the forged signature.
"So you became someone worse."
David nodded.
"I know."
"Did you ever love me?"
"Yes."
Anna laughed sadly.
"You lied to me for years."
"I loved you."
"You tried to steal my property."
"I was desperate."
"You cheated."
David closed his eyes.
Anna continued.
"You told another woman I'd be out of my own house."
"I know."
"No."
Anna shook her head.
"You keep saying that."
David looked at her.
"Knowing isn't the same as understanding."
He began crying.
For fourteen years, Anna had rushed toward his pain.
This time she stayed in the doorway.
"I loved you too."
David looked up.
"Then maybe—"
"No."
His hope disappeared.
Anna continued.
"That's the part I need you to understand."
She smiled sadly.
"Love is why this hurts."
Then she stepped aside.
"But love isn't a reason to stay."
David carried his suitcase downstairs.
Before leaving, he removed his wedding ring.
He placed it on the entry table.
May you like
Anna watched him go.
She didn't pick it up.
