Chapter 10
The lights at La Maison still gleamed brilliantly as Declan checked his watch for the third time, his brow furrowing unconsciously.
“Mr. Hayes, would you like me to contact Ms. Hartwell for you?” the manager asked respectfully.[]
Declan waved him off: “No need.“[]
He pulled out his phone–still no reply from Callie.]
This wasn’t like her. Usually she responded to his messages right away.]
Frowning, he got up and left the restaurant. The night breeze brushed his face, and somehow a thread of unease crept into his chest.
When he pushed open the front door, the house was dead silent.]
Declan frowned as he looked around, his attention immediately caught by two items lying quietly on the coffee table.
A divorce decree.
And the check he’d given her.[]
Declan’s pupils contracted sharply, his heart feeling like it was being squeezed by an invisible fist.[]
His hands almost trembling, he picked up the divorce decree, checking and rechecking the date–today.[]
“Callie…” he murmured, panic he didn’t even recognize creeping into his voice.]]
His phone rang abruptly, “Mia” flashing on the screen.]
“Declan” Mia’s syrupy voice came through the speaker, “Where are you? I made your favorite–can you come keep me company…?“]
“At home.” Declan answered automatically, his eyes still glued to the divorce decree.]]
“I’ll bring it over right now!” Mia’s tone was cheerful, hanging up before he could refuse.]
Twenty minutes later, Mia clicked into the living room in her heels, immediately spotting the divorce decree on the
coffee table.
“Oh my God!” She dramatically covered her mouth, stepping back, “What–what does this mean? She wants to divorce you?“]]
Declan sat on the couch, expressionlessly nodding.[]
A flash of triumph crossed Mia’s eyes, quickly replaced by a look of concern.[]
She gently sat beside Declan, her eyes misting slightly: “I’m so sorry, Declan. Is she holding a grudge because I accidentally ruined that shawl of hers? I know how vindictive women can be, but I never thought she’d use divorce to threaten you….“]
Declan’s fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the divorce decree, for once not bothering to comfort her.]
“Declan?” Mia tilted her head, studying his expression, panic flickering in her chest, “You’re not–you’re not actually going to miss her, are you? Maybe I should go apologize. I could get on my knees and beg her if I have to…‘ “0
“Miss her? Not a chance.” Declan let out a cold laugh, his tone deliberately dismissive, “She was just a business arrangement.“[]
“Don’t overthink this–it wasn’t your fault anyway. You didn’t do it on purpose.“]
Mia’s lips curved in satisfaction as she wrapped her arms around his waist, nestling into his embrace: “Actually, I’ve always wanted to say–a boring woman like her never deserved you anyway.“]]
Declan’s body stiffened almost imperceptibly, but he quickly relaxed, running his hand through Mia’s hair.]]
“But…” Mia suddenly sat up straight, feigning innocence, “Why wouldn’t she even take the check? She didn’t… find someone else, did she?“]
Declan’s gaze instantly turned ice–cold.
WIRINGHEL LOVE NOW I Sarged 115 KONTINSTERM
“Oh, I’m just talking nonsense!” Mia quickly waved her hands, “With her personality, who would want her anyway- Besides, she’s probably just trying to force you to give in, right? After all, she’s so crazy about you.“]
Declan stood up and walked to the bar, pouring himself a whiskey.]]
He downed it in one gulp, the burning liquid sliding down his throat, but it couldn’t extinguish that inexplicable restlessness in his chest.
“Declan…” Mia wrapped her arms around him from behind, “Stop thinking about her. Actually, your divorce is a good thing, isn’t it? We can…“]]
“Mia.” Declan gently pulled her hands away, “I need some alone time tonight.”]
Mia pouted: “But…“D
“Be good–I’ll take you shopping tomorrow and get you that new Chanel bag you’ve been wanting, okay?” Declan forced a smile.[]
After Mia reluctantly left, Declan stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, staring out at the night.[]
After a long moment, he pulled out his phone and called his assistant.[]
“Find out where Callie is.” His voice was hoarse, the panic churning inside him threatening to swallow him whole, “Don’t let anyone know.“[]
Hanging up, Declan’s gaze fell on the divorce decree again.[]
This was supposed to be the ending they’d agreed on from the start–so why did his chest feel so hollow now?]
He thought about the past three years: the bland toast and herbal tea she made every morning, the light she left on when she waited for him to come home late at night, and the way love would shine in her eyes when she quietly sat beside him…]]
“Damn it!” He suddenly hurled his glass against the wall, shards flying everywhere.[]
This wasn’t supposed to happen. Clearly, her leaving was supposed to be a good thing, right?]
