The End Of a Marriage
Chapter 31
Chapter 21
The tension between them lingered like an unspoken truth as they drove from Sydney to Queensland. Twenty hours of road stretched ahead, an eternity when the air between them was so thick with unresolved feelings. Colette wasn’t sure why they hadn’t taken a flight or even a train–anything that would have made the journey quicker, more bearable. But the endless road gave her time to think, to brood, and maybe that’s why she didn’t mind it. The scenic views passing by the windows felt like a cruel contrast to the turmoil churning inside her.
As they crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Matt kept his eyes on the road, but every now and then, he’d glance at her with a forced smile, cracking subtle jokes in an effort to lift her spirits. He was trying so hard, and it wasn’t lost on her. But no matter how many times he tried to coax a laugh out of her, the bitterness in her heart remained. There was only one reason she was here, in this car, with him now: she couldn’t let Iris win. The blonde–haired witch had wanted her to cancel this trip, to give up, and Colette was not going to let that happen.
Two and a half hours later, they took their first break at Newcastle. A small café near Nobbys Beach was where they stopped for lunch. The meal was simple –salads and sandwiches–but Colette barely tasted it. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying their argument over and over like a broken record. She expected they’d get back on the road as soon as they finished, but Matt had other plans.
“Want to explore the beach with me?” he asked, shrugging nonchalantly, though there was a hint of hope in his voice. “Heard it’s beautiful this time of
year.”
She hesitated for a moment, but then agreed. Maybe the fresh air would help clear her head, give her some perspective. Or maybe it was just another way of avoiding the inevitable conversation they’d have to have.
Nobbys Beach was a place where time seemed to pause, allowing its visitors to truly absorb the beauty that unfolded before them. As she and Matt stepped onto the golden sands, Colette felt a fleeting sense of serenity wash over her. The beach stretched out in a graceful arc, bordered on one side by the calm expanse of the Pacific Ocean and on the other by the lush green headland that rose majestically from the shoreline.
The morning sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow across the tranquil beach. The light danced on the water, creating a shimmering mosaic that seemed to pulse with life, each wave catching the sun’s rays like a thousand tiny mirrors. The gentle lapping of the waves against the shore blended with the occasional cry of seagulls, forming a soothing symphony that calmed the restless thoughts in Colette’s mind.
She felt Matt’s hand slip into hers, his touch gentle but firm, grounding her in the present moment. A rush of warmth flooded her body, igniting a familiar fire in her belly–a sensation she had almost forgotten. She looked up at her husband, a man she had loved for so long, yet who had hurt her so deeply. His presence, his touch, still had the power to stir something within her, something she wished she could ignore. But she didn’t pull away; she couldn’t. They
hand in hand, as if trying to reclaim something lost, something precious.
walked on,
At the far end of the beach, Nobbys Lighthouse stood tall and proud, its white façade gleaming against the brilliant blue sky. The lighthouse had been a beacon of hope, guiding ships safely into Newcastle Harbor for over a century. Its steadfast presence seemed to mirror the resilience she wished she felt- solid, unyielding in the face of stormy seas. They made their way toward it, their feet sinking into the soft, warm sand with each step, the silence between them now almost comfortable, like an old, familiar friend.
When they reached the lighthouse, they found a bench overlooking the panoramic view of the beach below. Colette sat down beside Matt, her gaze sweeping across the curve of the shore, where tiny figures of morning walkers dotted the sand, and surfers rode the waves in the distance. The scene was idyllic, a perfect blend of natural beauty and serene solitude. For a moment, she allowed herself to soak it in, to let the peace of the place seep into her bones.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
