Land of Enchantment

Nothing seemed to be turning out right.  “Stop trying to kid yourself—and me,” Lije snapped.  “You’re homesick for city life.  But I told you before we were married how much this ranch meant to me.  I’m not going to give it up, even for you!”  Diana was hurt.  She’d loved Lije enough to give up her career; she had really tried hard to adapt to the ranch.  And yet that apparently wasn’t enough.  Because Lije wasn’t prepared to compromise.  There were limits to his love.

“Why are you acting this way, Lije?”  Diana’s voice held bewilderment—and fear.  Lije had been so remote, so condemning lately.  But she wasn’t guilty of anything, except perhaps of loving him too much.  Now it seemed as if she were going to lose him…  “Maybe I’ve come to my senses,” Lije said harshly.  “Maybe I’ve realized we can’t spend the rest of our lives together.”  It felt as if a knife had been twisted into her heart.  “Are you saying our marriage was mistake?”  she breathed.  “One hell of a mistake.”  He turned abruptly.  “Go pack your things.  You can leave tomorrow.  Have your lawyer get in touch with me.”  She was still standing there like a statue when Lije walked out the door.