Chapter 103
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“Xander has cancer. He has less than a year to live.”
That was all it said. I read the message again, then again, each time hoping the words would rearrange themselves into something else. But it still remained the same.
The world tilted sideways. My body was frozen in place.
“Jane? Jane, are you there?” Aaron’s voice pulled me out of the daze I was slipping into. I pressed the phone against my ear again, still in shock. “What’s wrong? You went completely silent.”
I forced myself to breathe. I looked down at my fingers… When had they started shaking?
“I… I just received a strange message. I’ll have to call you back later.” I hung up before he could respond.
Xander had cancer. He was going to die.
Before my mind could fully process this devastating news, I heard a sharp knock at my door.
“Come in.”
Swan walked in, looking suspiciously cautious.
“Ms. Ashford… Mr. Xander Blackwood is here to see you.”
*Jane*
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My nails dug into the leather arms of my chair. I hadn’t seen Xander since we took him to the hospital. And now he was here, just after my mom texted me. Coincidence?
“Ms. Ashford?” I looked up to see Swan staring at me. “Would you like me to send him away?”
On one hand, I’d love to have her get rid of him. But that wouldn’t look good, especially on my first day.
“Send him in.”
Swan nodded and disappeared to retrieve my ex–husband. I waited, bracing myself. I had no idea what he wanted, or how I’d react to him, especially after receiving the news.
A minute later, my door opened again. And this time, Xander walked in gingerly, dressed in his signature black suit. It was definitely new. I was certain I had burned all his clothes.
However, I noticed that he didn’t look any different. I expected hollowed eyes, a leaner figure, slow movement, and maybe even a buzz cut. But no. Xander looked like he’d just stepped out of a Vogue magazine. He had a spring in his step as he approached my desk.
It annoyed me.
He stopped a few inches away, turning around to take in the subtle artwork that lined the light grey walls, the small lounge with two coffee brown armchairs and a low coffee table. I hadn’t had a chance to add
any personal touches yet, but I was glad Xander wouldn’t get to see that.
His eyes finally met mine. “You have a nice space here.”
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Was he really trying to make small talk?
“What are you doing here, Xander?” I blurted.
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“Just stopping by to meet the CEO, and to congratulate you on the new job. It’s quite a step–up from Blackwood.”
Without waiting for an invitation, he settled into the chair across from my desk, crossing one leg over the other. Lucky growled. She was getting agitated by the minute.
“Really, Jane, this place suits you,” he continued, waving his hands around. His tone was casual and easy, as if we weren’t knee–deep in a bitter divorce battle. One would think we were old college friends catching up over coffee.
“Though I still think you made a mistake leaving Blackwood. We miss you over there.” Then he shrugged. “But I’m slowly coming to terms with your decision.”
Bullshit.
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“Cut the pleasantries. What are you really here for?”
Xander smiled. He looked like he wanted to take my hind, but thought better of it.
“Like I said, I just finished a meeting with Richard, your boss, and thought I’d stop by to congratulate you. Really, Jane, that’s all.”
I didn’t buy it for a second. Xander was too calculative to do anything just because. I wouldn’t put it past him to come here just to arouse some sort of sympathy out of me.
So, I looked him dead in the eyes and asked, “How’s the cancer?”
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For a split second, Xander’s smile fell. His body stiffened, almost imperceptibly, but then he laughed.
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“Cancer?” He waved a dismissive hand, but I noticed how his fingers trembled slightly. “Jane, there’s nothing in this world I can’t beat. I’m not writing my will anytime soon.”
I studied him. I had no idea what he was playing at, or what he was trying to do.
“Besides, I’m sure you’re not so interested in whether I live or die. You‘ re trying to divorce me, Jane. You wouldn’t be in my will anymore.”
