Chapter 11
Declan stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, the cigarette between his fingers burned down to nothing, but he didn’t even notice.
His assistant’s call came at 2 AM]
“Mr. Hayes, I found Ms. Hartwell’s address.”
He crushed out the cigarette stub: “Send it to me.“[
Callie’s new apartment was in an ordinary, run–down complex with no elevator and narrow hallways.
Declan stood outside her door, frowning deeply–he couldn’t imagine that woman who’d lived so comfortably in the Hayes house would choose a place like this.
He raised his hand and knocked, not too hard, not too soft, but with an undeniable authority.]
Light footsteps came from inside, then the sound of the lock turning.
Callie opened the door, and the moment she saw him, her pupils contracted sharply.]
She wore simple loungewear, her hair loosely pinned back, no elaborate makeup, yet somehow she was impossible to look away from.]
Declan’s gaze lingered on her for two seconds before he let out a cold laugh: “What’s this? Living in a dump like this–putting on a show for me?“]}
Callie’s fingers tightened slightly, but her expression remained calm: “What do you want, Mr. Hayes?”
“What do I want?” He scoffed, pushing past her and striding into the apartment.
The place was tiny–a one–bedroom–but spotlessly clean.
Design books sat on the coffee table next to a steaming cup of herbal tea.[]
Declan’s eyes swept over everything, that inexplicable irritation in his chest growing stronger.]]
“Got your divorce papers and couldn’t wait to move out?” He turned around, looking down at her, “What’s wrong? Afraid I’d change my mind?“]]
Callie gently closed the door, her tone flat: “You’re being ridiculous, Mr. Hayes, We had a contract marriage. Contract’s up, we divorce. It’s normal.“[]
“Normal?” He narrowed his eyes, suddenly stepping closer, “Then why didn’t you take the check?“[]
Callie looked up at him, her eyes so clear they made his chest tighten.[]
“I don’t need it,” she said quietly, “I don’t want to take a single thing that belongs to you.“]
Declan’s breathing hitched slightly.
Those words were like a dull knife, slowly slicing through his chest.[]
He stared at her, then suddenly sneered: “Callie, you think divorcing me means you can just walk away?”
Callie frowned slightly: “What do you mean?“]]
Declan locked eyes with her, enunciating each word: “Come back. The position of Mrs. Hayes is still yours.“[]
The air went dead silent for a beat.[]
Callie paused, then scoffed: “Go back? Go back for what? To keep playing human shield between you and Mia?“]
“My business with her is none of your concern.”
“Right, it isn’t.” Callie nodded, her gaze burning into Declan’s increasingly agitated face, “So what gives you the right to demand I come back?“[]
Declan found himself speechless.]]
Yeah, what right did he have?]
They were already divorced now.
That thought made his chest feel inexplicably tight.[]
“Callie.” His voice was low, warning, “Don’t test my patience.“]]
Callie looked at him quietly, suddenly finding it almost laughable.[]
Three years, and he was still the same–always looking down from above, always expecting her to bend to his will.[]
“Mr. Hayes,” she raised her voice, enunciating each word, “We’re done.“[]
Declan’s pupils contracted sharply.
Just then, his phone rang.
“Mia” blazed across the screen.]]
Callie’s gaze flicked to it, the corner of her mouth lifting in the faintest smile: “Mr. Hayes, your sweetheart’s calling.“]
Declan stared at her, letting out a cold laugh, but still answered the call.]
“Declan” Mia’s syrupy voice drifted from the speaker, “Where are you? I can’t sleep, I miss you…“[]
Declan’s gaze remained locked on Callie’s face, but his tone deliberately softened: “I’m handling something. I’ll be back later.“[]
Callie turned her face away, no longer looking at him.[]
“Hurry back, okay.” Mia cooed, “I’ll be waiting.“[]
After hanging up, Declan stared at Callie’s profile, suddenly reaching out to grip her chin, forcing her to look at him.[]
“Callie,” his voice was low, “don’t think this is over.”
“O
With that, he released her and turned to leave.[]
The door slammed shut with enough force to make the picture on the wall tremble.[]
307
X
Callie stood there for a long moment before slowly raising her hand to wipe away the single tear that hadn’t quite fallen.[]
Declan got in his car and punched the steering wheel.]
He didn’t know why he was losing control like this.[]
They’d agreed from the beginning–divorce after three years.
He loved Mia, didn’t he?]
So why did seeing Callie act so indifferent make him so… furious?]
His phone rang again. A text from Mia:[]
[Declan, when are you coming back?]]]
He stared at the screen, suddenly feeling intensely irritated.[]
Finally, he replied: [Something came up tonight. Not coming back.]]
Then he turned off his phone, leaned back in his seat, and closed his eyes.[]
All he could see was Callie’s eyes–so calm they were almost cold.[]
