Chapter 10

Thomas' eyes widened in shock upon hearing the news. He yelled, "What did you say? How could that be? Are you sure you're not mistaken?" Elijah replied in a trembling voice, "We've double-checked many times, Mr. Ford. You and Ms. Linsel were never legally married." All the strength drained from Thomas' body as the words sank in. The phone slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor. His mind went blank. Shannon had clearly married into the Ford family, so how could they possibly not be legally married? However, realization hit Thomas like a punch to the gut shortly after. He slammed his fist against the couch in frustration. Back then, his mind was occupied with the thought of Laura. Shannon had repeatedly reminded him to get their marriage registered, but he brushed her off with the excuse of being busy with work. Thomas eventually forgot about it altogether. His eyes shut in pain, the weight of the consequences finally hitting him hard. Thomas' mind raced—while instruc