Chapter 11
His disgusted attitude instantly shattered Evelyn’s composure.]]
“Why would you say that? Grayson, you know I love you.” She suddenly began crying
“I still have your name tattooed over my heart, I’ve confessed to you countless times, jumped from buildings and attempted suicide for you. To protect you in that car crash, I let steel rebar pierce my heart! Look at this scar–it’s so ugly, but I’ve never regretted it…”
She got out of bed and embraced Grayson’s waist from behind: “Last night was my first time, and I gave it to you. Don’t treat me like this. I can’t bear it. I’d rather have died saving you in that accident!”
Her tears soaked through Grayson’s back
They also made him falter in his painful struggle, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he found himself unable to walk away: “There will be no next time. That’s my final boundary”
Go back to sleep. I’ll stay with you a few more days.” In the end, he carried her back to bed
After Evelyn fell asleep under his coaxing, Grayson went to the balcony and lit a cigarette.]
Through the rising smoke, his mind kept flashing images of Aurora’s tearful eyes
He dialed her number again, still reaching the same automated message. The accumulated guilt of recent weeks suddenly crashed through his mind…]
He seemed to finally make a decision as he composed a text message:
[Rory, I’m sorry. When you calm down and turn your phone back on, call me. I know I’ve done same terrible things lately, but you’re the only one I’ve ever loved.
[In three days, we’ll go see the Northern Lights in Finland–you’ve always wanted to, right? By then, I’ll have resolved all these problems, and we’ll go back to the way we were.
After sending the message, he contacted his personal assistant and booked flights to Finland
“Also, there’s an auction in Newport this weekend. Make sure you bring back that ruby necklace, whatever it takes.”
He gave specific instructions to his assistant, Aurora loved rubies above all else. Whatever happened, he would make it up to her.[]
But in the following three days, Aurora never called.
Grayson’s unease gradually intensified. He half–heartedly spent those final days with Evelyn, accompanying her shopping and booking an entire amusement park for a photoshoot
Until the third day, after having dinner with Evelyn at a revolving restaurant, Grayson suddenly produced a medical report]
“Evelyn, three days ago I had doctors evaluate your condition. Your test results are in–your physical state is excellent. You’ve fully recovered.“[]
He chose his words carefully: I have a marriage and my own love and family, I can’t accompany you forever. Someday you’ll meet someone who truly loves you.”
Though his language seemed diplomatic, lus meaning was unmistakable.
Evelyn was completely stunned. But before she could react, Grayson had already risen urgently and quickly left the restaurant
Op the drive home, his car sped dangerously close to the limit [] –
A ruby gift box and two tickets to Finland sat in the passenger seat.
Grayson felt somewhat nervous. Now that he had ended the complications with Evelyn, he imagined how he would apologize to Aurora. He would kneel if necessary
Soon, the car entered the mansion grounds, and he raced inside with the gifts.
Aurora
The downstairs lights were on, but Aurora was nowhere to be seen. Only two housekeepers were cleaning the kitchen.
“Where’s my wife?” he demanded.
Without waiting for an answer, he bounded up the stairs, completely missing the housekeeper’s response:[]
“Mrs. Hart? She hasn’t returned since she left that day
The second floor was dark Grayson checked the guest room first but found no sign of her. He then hurried to the master bedroom.
“Rary…” As the door swung open, the master bedroom remained exactly as it had been when he left days ago
The air was permeated with an overly sweet fragrance–Evelyn’s favorite essential oil–which had completely masked Aurora’s preferred lime scent
He hesitated momentarily, switching on the light. Just as he was about to search elsewhere, his attention was captured by a small hooklet on the nightstand
In that moment, his chest constricted painfully.
He rushed over, his gif box dropping straight to the floor
It was a divorce certificate.]
His and Aurora’s divorce certificate…]]
