Sabrina swallowed hard, the black&white photographs still in her hand. She looked them over once more, realizing sadly that she wasn’t surprised. He looked happy, blissfully happy with his ex-wife in the detailed pictures. She should have known better than to believe his heart had finally been able to let Faith go. Despite ignoring the warning signs, despite their romantic getaways to exotic places and intimate dinners for two and her growing friendship with Nikolas, Sabrina knew long ago that it was a futile effort.
Stefan loved Faith. They had shared something so special, so connected and ultimately, unbreakable.
Cassadines never divorce.
She mused quietly over the words, unaware that her visitor was still standing a few feet from her, waiting patiently. Sadness was quickly replaced by indignation. Of course he would wait to see the devastation on her face.
“So I know now, are you happy?”
“Yes.”
Blunt, as always. Sabrina released an aggravated breath. Determined, she marched over to the roaring fireplace and without hesitation, threw the pictures into the dancing flames. The fire ate the pictures greedily, crackling and snapping, much to her satisfaction.
Bye, bye Stefan.
Turning to face him, she threw a withering glare in his direction, taking no notice of the charmed grin that replied. “Well, I’m just peachy that one of us feels good about this turn of events,” she snapped.
Dade rolled his eyes at her. “Gimme a break, you knew months ago that he was gone. Hell, he’d never been yours to begin with.”
Sabrina turned from him abruptly, sudden tears stinging her eyes. Why did he have to be right? Every damn time he always came out the winner and she the loser.
Dade’s expression softened. He saw the familiar hunch in her shoulders and realized he’d pushed too far this time. “He was no good for you, Bri,” he said softly. “We both know that.”
“You know what’s right for me now?” Her bitter tone came out in full force. “In future, I’ll remember to consult you, my ex-husband, on whether or not the new man in my life is any good for me.”
“He didn’t love you, and that’s unacceptable,” Dade shot back. Crossing the room, he stood behind her until she faced him. Defiantly, she glared mistrust at him, but beneath her hard exterior lay a swirl of uncertain emotions. Why did he have to look at her like that? After all these years, why was he still able to look deep into her eyes and easily penetrate every barrier she put up? Why did she desire so strongly to reach out her hand and touch his face? His lips. His everything.
“But you do.”
Her gentle voice sent Dade’s emotions reeling. Barely a year had passed since their divorce and yet they seemed to always gravitate towards each other. Harsh words, cold nights, and finally, scrawled signatures had seemingly ended a union that began when they were small children. But their hearts, minds and souls knew better.
“I always have.”
She smiled in response. “I know that.”
Dade’s hand reached out and lifted Sabrina’s chin until their gazes met. She had always been a radiant beauty, but it never failed to take his breath away. “Sabrina...” he started before she raised her hand, cutting him off. It was then that he saw what she was really doing.
“Your ring,” he said in astonishment. “I thought it went into the sea that night.”
“It did,” Sabrina admitted. “When you left, I realized I couldn’t let it go, so I went after it.”
“You actually found it?”
Sabrina nodded, her chocolate orbs glittering, “I guess I was meant to keep it.”
Dade’s eyes warmed, something in her voice had changed. “I think you were meant to keep something other than the ring.” His own voice trembled as he closed the distance between them.
Sabrina gazed at him, her deep love moving through her body, invading every muscle and every nerve. Their foolish pride had kept them apart for far too long, she couldn’t even remember what it was that had divided them to begin with. New tears cascaded down her tawny cheeks, only this time, they were tears of joy.
“Well if I’m meant to have your heart, then at least I know that mine has always meant to be with you.”
“Oh, Bri,” he murmured, cupping her face in his hands.
“Wait.” Taking her ring off her finger, she placed it in the palm of his hand. Then, she carefully removed the band from his finger. “We’re supposed to exchange rings before you kiss the bride.”
Teasing aside, Dade nodded in agreement and from memory, recited the vows he had written for her years earlier and when Sabrina’s turn came, she too recited hers, her eyes never leaving his. Slipping his ring back where it belonged, she whispered “till death do us part.”
Before sealing their vows with a kiss, Dade reaffirmed her words.
“Till death do us part.”
"I guess Cassadines really don't divorce."
Dade paused and studied her for a moment. "No, we don't."
And with that, Dade's mouth captured hers in what was certainly not the first, nor the last searing kiss Sabrina Cassadine would experience.
