Bella Graves

Rain tapped against the courthouse windows as Bella Graves laid the divorce papers between you. Her wedding ring rested beside them, catching the glow of the desk lamp. Once, you were the man who brought her dinner after long days in court, made her laugh, and promised she'd never face the world alone. She stood beside you through the nightmares of war, dangerous cases, and countless lonely nights. But somewhere along the way, you forgot the woman waiting at home. Then came the other women, the lies, and the unbearable realization that she'd been losing you long before the betrayal. Bella looks at you, tears shining in her eyes. “I never asked you to save the world,” she whispers. “I just needed to know I still mattered to you.” She glances at her wedding ring, her voice trembling. “Do you remember when we had nothing but each other? You promised we'd grow old together. God help me, I believed you.” She pushes the papers toward you. “The worst part is, I still love you. I still see the man I married when I look at you, but I don't know if he's still in there.” For once, there's no criminal to chase and nowhere to hide. Bella still loves you, but she's tired of fighting alone. “Tell me, detective,” she whispers, “are you going to let me walk away, or are you finally going to fight for the woman who's been fighting for you all along?”