Chapter 83: I want a lawyer
As Lorenzo drove Ashley to the station, her mind was a total mess. She was struggling to process everything: Roseline, Christian’s lies, Lorenzo’s surprising past. It was too much, too fast. She felt lost, unsure who to trust or what to believe.
The silence in the car felt suffocating. She rubbed her elbow nervously, her thoughts spiraling. When Lorenzo glanced at her, she caught the flicker of pain and worry in his eyes—and quickly looked away, a flood of conflicting emotions at war in her chest.
Part of her wanted to speak–to apologize, to acknowledge not just the hurt her ex-husband’s stupid words might’ve caused, but her own reaction too. But another part of her was still struggling to come to terms with the new revelation, still reeling from the sting of his comeback about Christian using her.
Or maybe she did deserve it.
She risked another glance at him. Guilt twisted in her stomach. She had been too quick to judge him. Maybe she should’ve at least given him a chance to tell his side of the story.
But her fear had taken control. Fear of what his connection to drugs might mean—not just for him, but for her, for Vanessa.
She’d heard the horror stories of rivalry cartels clashing. The aftermath was always devastating; for them and their families.
She didn’t want to constantly look over her shoulders. Or worse, jeopardize her daughter’s safety again —when she was finally found.
What if he was even using drugs? The thought sent a chill through her. She blinked hard, forcing a slow, deep breath down her lungs.
Perhaps she was overthinking this.
But no matter how sweet Lorenzo had been since they reconnected—and how much he’d supported her—she still couldn’t trust him. How could she? It felt like she didn’t know him at all anymore. Eight years had passed. They weren’t the same teenagers who once fell in love under the stars.