Chapter 6%
stood still, my eyes tracking the white cab until it faded into the distance. For a second, I squinted, half–expecting the vehicle to slow down, maybe even stop, like she’d change her mind and look back. But the sound of the engine grew fainter, and the outline of the cab dimmed I clenched my jaw hard
“She’s really leaving, huh?” Lorde said quietly, stepping beside me to stare down the same empty road. “Tsk.”B
He shook his head, exhaling deeply, disappointment hanging between us like a curtain neither of us could pull down.
“She’s weak,” he added, voice hardening as the words came out. “She just wanted an excuse to leave. I guess I gave her that.“%
His tone carried anger, but underneath it was something rawer. It wasn’t just hate. It was confusion, betrayal, heartbreak.
“Lorde?”
Beverly’s voice rang behind us. She had followed, but instead of walking toward my son, she grabbed my arm. I instinctively brushed her off, the contact annoying me more than I wanted to admit. Her face flickered with offense, but she quickly masked it and turned to Lorde. “Don’t be upset. She never really cared about us, remember? But I do. Aunt Beverly’s here now.“Z
I turned away and began to walk back inside, but I still heard Lorde’s shaky breath, the kind you take right before surrendering to the ache in your chest.
“I’ll get you toys, candy, all the chocolates you want. How’s that sound?“%
“Yeah. Why would I care about that murderer when you’re here, Auntie?“%
I froze. His voice was light, cheerful even. I glanced back.
Lorde was smiling from ear to ear, holding Beverly’s hand as she led him into the kitchen. She smiled too, but her eyes were on me, not him. She wasn’t listening to him, she was watching my reaction./
I turned away again.
He’s just a child. That’s what I told myself. If Hestia saw this, she’d lose her mind. She’d scream, accuse, spiral. She’d think her son had forgotten her already. And maybe he had, at least for now. But he’s a kid. Kids are easily distracted. You offer them sweets, a little attention, and they follow. Hestia always tried to raise him right, disciplined, strong, grounded. She never spoiled him. She didn’t let him have everything he wanted just because he cried or demanded it./
Now, maybe he thinks he’s finally free.”
I rubbed my temples and shook my head. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. She used to be calm, composed. Now she’s stubborn, reckless even. Is she really planning to divorce me?
Five years. That’s how long we’ve been married. Five years of the same rhythm, same man, same routine. Nothing changed. I was never cruel. I gave her everything. She didn’t have to work a day in her life. She had the house, the security, the comfort. What more did she want?
I took my coat and left the house, heading straight for the court. I tried to drown myself in paperwork, anything to stop the flood in my head, but nothing worked. My concentration broke apart like glass, and eventually, I gave up. I needed a break. I decided to drop in on my
men.
I found my Beta and Delta at a desk, both hunched over a laptop, discussing something quietly.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
They looked up, surprised.
“Lucian? You’re here?”
“Am I not allowed in my court?” I snapped.”
They exchanged a glance. I was on edge. I knew it, and so did they.
“Hestia was seen at the airport,” Matthew said. “She had multiple bags with her. You didn’t authorize a trip, did you?“>
Airport?
She left the house and went straight to the airport?”
They handed me the laptop, and there she was, same clothes, same hair, same expression. Luggage stacked beside her. I stared at the screen. Rage curled in my chest.
“She’s threatening to divorce me,” I muttered. “But she’s bluffing. She has to be.“”
Allan leaned forward. “She’ll be back. Hestia’s always been the kind of wife who makes your meals, keeps your shirts ironed, sends you lunch even when she’s sick. She’s not the type to walk out and not return.“”
I shoved the laptop back at Matthew. “Exactly. She’s just testing me. She wants to see if I’ll chase after her. I won’t.”
They exchanged another look. This one was more cautious.
“But what if she’s serious this time?” Matthew asked carefully. “She’s always been good to you. And let’s be real, you’re not exactly the warmest husband. Maybe she finally had enough.“W
I shot him a warning look.”
He raised his hands. “Just saying the truth. Hestia never seemed like the kind to make empty threats. If she went to the airport and packed up her life, maybe this time, she really is done.”
I shifted in my seat, the silence pressing down hard. “You think a woman like her can just walk away from me? After everything I’ve given
10:37 AM
her? The house, the lifestyle, the comfort? Do you think she’d throw all of that away?“}
Matthew opened his mouth, but my phone rang, cutting him off.”
My mother’s name flashed on the screen.
Of course. She must have heard.
I gritted my teeth and answered.
“Mom.”
“Lucian, what’s going on? Why did Hestia call our lawyer about a divorce? Are you two completely out of your minds?“}
Unbelievable! She went through with it!!
