Chapter 9
As Scarlett basked in the center of everyone’s attention. Adele couldn’t take it anymore ||
She stood up and quietly headed for the stairs Halfway d
down, Scarlett’s voice called out behind her.||
“What’s wrong? Not touched by the grand farewell?” she teased.]
“A candlelit dinner to mark the end of your love story–kind of poetic, isn’t it? Mere. Something
ing to remember it by.“]]
She held out a few pictures. Adele glanced down.]]
In the ph
photos. Byron stood in front of a sky filled with heart–shaped fireworks, his arm casually shung around her shoulder. They looked… dose ]]
But Adele noticed it instantly he wasn’t looking at the camera.||
He was loolding at Scarlett
She didn’t bake the photos. Just looked at her, voire flat and tired.
She
” already signed the diforce papers. I’m walking away. Why are you still doing this?“]]
Scarlett tilted her head, sindle playful.]]
“Why not? I thought you’d be touched. But if it’s not your thing, five. Game over. Not like there’ll be a next time.”
She turned to leave, still grinning–And that’s when it happened
A loud crack overhead. The chandelier above groaned and shifted!]
Before either of them could move. It came crashing down
Aarle instinctively raised her arms to shield herself, and saw Byron sprinting toward her
The future slammed into her back shoulders, and wrist. She collapsed instely, a stream tearing through her throst ||
Tours poured down her face from the sheer shock of pain-
Through blurred vision, she saw Scarlett subbing, but not for her.]
She was duschang Byron, blood covering his arms from shielding the blow.||
“nyron, why are you always like this? Why do you always come running the second I’m in danger? Why won’t you let go? Why do you keep choosing me?”
Adele heard the words echoing in her head she answered silently for him because he loves you []
Everything dimused. The pain dulled. The world faded And then nothing||
When Adele opened her eyes again, she was in aliopital runus ||
Scarlett was there, placing « alerà invitation card on the table.“Six days from now–you will be free. And also Byron’s birthday. T’s going to contess to him that day
She sandled “He’s always loved me. This time, I’m finally going to say it back. He’s going to be thrilled.“||
She glanced toward Adrie ||
“pron has a minor concussion. I’ll be taking care of him while he recovers. If you’d like to spend time with him before your divorce is final, I can have you
moved to the room next dood,”
Adele shat her eyrailer Voice was calm. Barely midible.||
“Not necessary. You’re the one he wants to see right now. And me? I don’t want to see him at all.“||
scarien nodded and left
Over the next few days. Byron called a few times.]
Left a couple of texts.
Adele never replied.]
on the day she was discharged, she went straight to pick up the finalized divorce decree ||
Back home, she placed the papers–both their signatures inked at the bottom–in in a small
Then she grabbed her suitcase, ready to leave just as she was heading
He frode when he saw her with luggage in hand
Neatly tied a satin ribbon around it.|
gout the door, Byron walked in.]]
“You’re leaving? It’s my birthday. I was just about to come get you for the party.
Adele didn’t look at him.|||
ve got nit
‘ve got a flight. Heading back home. It’s tonight.“||
She picked up the hox from the table and handed it to him “irthday gift. Hope you like m
A pause. Her voice dropped slightly. Tve gotta go. Happy birthday.”
She didn’t wait for a response
Just walked out flagged down a cab, and headed to the airport.]]
Byren stood there, staring at the door long after it closed
His chest felt right, like something was caving in
For a second, he almost diased after her Almost asked her to stay, skip the flight, come to the party.|||
But his phone buzzed |
Scarlett
“Byron: Where are you? Everyone’s already here–the party’s starting! I worked so hard on this night for you. And I’ve got a surprise waiting. You’re gonna love
He hesitated. Then let out a slow breath. And left. The gift box set untouched in the backseat of his car Still wrapped without even opening it||
The party was packed Laughter, champagne, people everywhere
As soon as he stepped through the doors, Scarlett greeted him in full glamor, eyes shining
“You cene!“Byron smiled sondy
“Tedn’t you say you had a surprise?“||
Scarlet juractically skipped to the front of the room, grabbing the nuc
Her voice rang out through the speakers||
“Thank you all for coming tonight to calelaute Byron’s birthday. It’s a special day and I have not our, but two announcements to make ”
“Tirst, let’s congratulate Byron on his divorce. A new chapter beygin
“And second. She turned to him, beaming ||
“I’m finally ready to say yes. Byron, you’ve lovedline for so long, and I’ve been so foolish with your heart. But I’m done running. I want forever–with you.”
