Chapter 9 - The Private Confrontation In The Hotel Lobby
The military ball concluded at midnight, but the tension inside the hotel lobby was thicker than ever.
Officers and their spouses were gathering near the valet counter, waiting for their luxury cars and military sedans to be brought around.
I stood near the grand marble pillars, wearing my long dark trench coat over my gown while waiting for my official transport.
Ethan stepped out from behind a large potted palm tree, his face pale and haggard in the bright lobby lighting.
His mother followed two paces behind him, looking like a ghost in her ruined silk dress.
“Mara... please, just give me five minutes,” Ethan pleaded, stepping into my path before my driver arrived.
“I know I messed up tonight. I know I should have stood up to my mother about the table.”
I looked at him calmly, pulling my leather gloves onto my hands with deliberate, precise movements.
“You didn't just mess up tonight, Ethan,” I said, my voice smooth and devoid of any anger or sadness.
“You showed me exactly who you are when you think there are no consequences for being cruel.”
“You let your mother insult me for three years because it kept her happy and kept her funding your lifestyle.”
“You walked away with Audrey Caldwell without looking back once because you thought her father could buy you a promotion.”
Ethan reached out to grab my arm, but I stepped back smoothly, avoiding his touch entirely.
“Mara, we’re married!” Ethan argued, his voice rising in panic as several departing colonels turned to watch.
“You can't just abandon me here over a bad night at a military ball!”
“We were married, Ethan,” I corrected him softly.
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“But as of tonight, I am initiating a conflict-of-interest separation with the Department of Defense.”
“And tomorrow morning at 0800 hours, my office is opening a full forensic audit into your quartermaster division.”
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