Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 62

Chapter 62 

A 62. 

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Briana just dropped a bombshell. It was even more jaw–dropping than Richard’s earlier revelation. 

Richard and Isabelle were still going at it, arguing over whether to back Shepard’s divorce and remarriage, even dragging up ancient family drama. And turns out, Shepard and Briana had already split. 

“Briana,” Isabelle finally snapped out of it, her voice trembling. “You can’t just say things like that, especially not just to vent your anger.” 

Evelyn quickly chimed in, “Exactly. Did you see those photos online and find out about Shepard and Vivian messing around behind your back? 

“I get how hard this must be, but please, don’t act rashly. No matter what, the Carters are here for you, and I’ll always stand up for you.” 

Evelyn thought, ‘Those two always seemed so close. I saw it myself. Even Tiffany said Mr. and Mrs. Carter were rock solid.’ 

Briana sighed. She thought, ‘Guess it’s time to put all the cards on the table. I’ve wanted to do this for so long, but I never thought it’d go down like this. Maybe this is just how things were meant to be!’ 

“Grandma Evelyn, I’m sorry,” Briana said, coming clean. “I lied to you.” 

Evelyn was stunned, her jaw dropping. “Lied to me? About what?” 

“Everything between Shepard and me, the sweet couple act, trying for a baby, sleeping together, it was all just for show. I knew as soon as Vivian came back that she and Shepard were getting all cozy together. 

“Those photos online didn’t even matter,” Briana went on. “Last night, I was right there. I saw everything with my own eyes when Shepard and Vivian got intimate.” 

Evelyn gasped, her eyes wide in shock. “So you and Shepard went to get divorced first thing this morning?” Evelyn asked, then paused, realizing something was off. 

“But you two haven’t left Carter Estate since you got home last night, not until you headed out to the Carter residence.” 

Evelyn thought, ‘How did they even get divorced? Online? But the courthouse doesn’t even offer that service yet, does it?‘ 

Briana replied, “Shepard and I got divorced the day after Vivian came back. It’s been about half a month now.” 

The living room went dead silent. After a long pause, Isabelle finally spoke up, her voice shaking with disbelief. “You two actually went and got divorced behind everyone’s back? 

“That’s just so reckless, acting like marriage is just a joke. Were you ever going to tell us if those photos hadn’t blown up online? 

“Wait until you’ve completely cut ties, and then let us know? We don’t even have the right to know or intervene beforehand?” 

17:32 Wed, Dec 24 

Chapter 62 

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62 

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Isabelle let out another sigh, her voice barely above a whisper. “You got divorced the day after Vivian came back. Guess you’d already given up, huh, Briana? Just didn’t see any point in holding on anymore.” 

“Yeah,” Briana replied. “Shepard never forced me. I chose to end it myself.” Finally, she said it out in the open, no more hiding. It was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. 

Briana spoke clearly, her voice steady. “Grandma Evelyn, everyone, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me these past five years. I’ll never forget it. I wanted so much to stay as part of this family, to be Shepard’s wife. 

“I did everything I could, tried my best to be the best I could be. But I forgot that love is never just one person’s effort. 

“Five years ago, I was so young. I thought if I just loved enough, gave enough, compromised and sacrificed as much as I could, I could smooth out all the rough patches in our marriage. 

“But the truth is, that’s just not possible. Love is love. If it’s not love, it’s not love. If two people love each other, that’s what matters. 

“Getting divorced wasn’t something I did on a whim, or because I was being reckless. It was a decision I made after a lot of thought. I don’t want to keep struggling anymore. 

“I know I can be happier and freer on my own than ever. So I’m stepping away, letting it go, and wishing him well. As for who Shepard marries after this, that’s his business. It has nothing to do with me anymore.” 

Another heavy silence filled the room. Shepard lowered his head a little, gazing at Briana by his side. Her words completely blindsided him. 

She actually came out and admitted to the divorce herself, and even refused to lean on Evelyn or Isabelle for support. Maybe, just maybe, she really was truly determined to leave him, just like she said. 

For the first time, Shepard was finally willing to believe that Briana didn’t love him anymore. That was not it. 

Maybe she’d just reached her limit, or maybe seeing how much he cared for Vivian was what finally pushed her over the edge. It was the pain that made her let go. It wasn’t that she didn’t love him anymore. 

Noticing Shepard’s gaze, Briana turned her head to look at him. She leaned in a little closer. “I think I’ve made myself perfectly clear, haven’t I? 

“Whether it’s to your face or in front of everyone here, my answer is always the same. I want a divorce.” 

This was a divorce application that will not be revoked. 

“Yeah,” Shepard replied. “Briana, stay firm. Don’t waver.” 

“You can count on it. I’ll never change my mind,” Briana said. 

“I always keep my word,” Shepard added. 

Briana nodded. “Absolutely. You don’t need to worry about me. To be honest, I’m more worried you’ll suddenly decide you don’t want the divorce after all.” 

17:32 Wed, Dec 24 

Chapter 62 

A (62) 

E55 vouchers 

Shepard sneered, “Are you still dreaming?” 

“I’ve been dreaming for five years, but now I’m finally awake,” Briana said, her eyes lighting up with a smile. “I’ve never been clearer.” 

She felt a wave of lightness and joy wash over her from head to toe. Shepard pursed his lips. His face didn’t betray any emotion. But inside, a feeling he’d never experienced before welled up. 

He couldn’t put a name to it. It would be a long time before he understood what that feeling truly was. It was simply a loss. 

The one who had always waited for him and loved him finally turned around, waved goodbye, and did it with more grace and poise than he ever expected. His heart was just empty. 

Just then, Evelyn spoke up. “Briana, you need to take a breath. Don’t go giving up just because Vivian’s back and you think you’re losing to her. 

“Vivian could never threaten your place in this family. Don’t give up on yourself and just step aside for her.” 

Evelyn thought, ‘If Briana goes through with this divorce, isn’t that just clearing the way for Vivian? No way I’m letting that happen. Even if Briana has to cling on for dear life, she shouldn’t let Vivian waltz in and take everything.’ 

Briana replied, “Once the divorce is done, I know I’ll be happier and living my best life. I want a fresh start. As for Shepard and Vivian, whatever they do now is up to them. It’s got nothing to do with me anymore.” 

“So what if I flat–out refuse to let you two split up?” Evelyn stared Briana down, her tone unyielding. 

“Grandma Evelyn, if you do that, you’re just trapping me in a miserable marriage. Not being able to leave, that’s what really hurts me,” Briana replied. 

Shepard, who’d always been the one pushing for a divorce, was suddenly dead silent. And Briana, who used to love him with all her heart, just kept talking, laying everything out in the open. 

For a moment, the Carters couldn’t figure out if it was Shepard who wanted the divorce more or if Briana was even more determined to end things. 

Richard kept his head down, scrolling through the latest news on his phone. Suddenly, a photo caught his eye. 

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