Chapter 10
The lights at Daniel were still sparkling when Kieran checked his Patek Philippe for the third time, his jaw getting tighter by the minute.]
“Mr. Harper, should I try calling Mrs. Harper?” the manager asked politely.
Kieran waved him off: “Nah, don’t bother.“]]
He pulled out his phone–Lorraine still hadn’t replied to any of his messages.
This was weird as hell. Usually she’d text back before he could even put his phone down.]
He frowned and stood up, walking out of the restaurant. The night air hit his face, and for some reason, anxiety started crawling up his spine.
When he walked through the front door, the house was dead silent.]
Kieran scanned the room with a frown, and two things on the coffee table immediately caught his attention.[]
Divorce papers.
And the check he’d written her.]
Kieran’s pupils contracted, his heart feeling like someone had grabbed it in a vise.]
His hands were actually shaking as he picked up the divorce decree, checking the date over and over–today. Today![]
“Lorraine….” he muttered, his voice carrying a panic he didn’t even recognize.
His phone buzzed-“Aurora” flashing on the screen.
“Kieran!” Aurora’s sweet voice came through the speaker. “Where are you? I made that pasta you love–wanna come over and hang out?”
“I’m home.” Kieran answered automatically, his eyes still glued to the divorce papers.
“Perfect! I’ll bring it to you!” Aurora sounded thrilled and hung up before he could say no.]]
Twenty minutes later, Aurora strutted into the living room in her Jimmy Choos and immediately zeroed in on the divorce papers.
“Oh my God!” She dramatically covered her mouth, backing up a step. “What… what does this mean? She wants to divorce you?“] Kieran sat on the couch, stone–faced, and nodded.]
A flash of triumph crossed Aurora’s eyes, but she quickly replaced it with concern.
She carefully sat down next to Kieran, her eyes getting misty: [
“Oh my God, Kieran, I’m so sorry. Is this because I accidentally destroyed her grandma’s shawl? I know how crazy jealous women can get, but I never thought she’d actually threaten you with divorce…“]]
Kieran’s fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the divorce papers, completely ignoring her for the first time ever.[]
“Kieran?” Aurora studied his face, panic starting to bubble up. “You’re not… you’re not actually upset about losing her, are you? Maybe I should go apologize–I’ll get on my knees and beg if I have to….“]
“Upset? Please.” Kieran let out a bitter laugh, his tone dripping with forced contempt. “She was just part of a business deal.“[]
“Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault–you didn’t wreck that stupid shawl on purpose.”
Aurbra smiled smugly and wrapped her arms around his waist, snuggling into his chest: “Honestly, I’ve always thought a boring woman like her was never good enough for you anyway.“]
Kieran’s body went rigid for a split second, but he quickly relaxed and ran his fingers through Aurora’s hair.]
“But…” Aurora suddenly sat up straight, putting on an innocent expression, “why didn’t she even cash the check? You don’t think… she’s already got another guy waiting in the wings?“]
Kieran’s expression went ice–cold.[]
“Oh, I’m just being silly!” Aurora quickly backtracked, waving her hands. “Someone with her personality? Who’d want her? Besides, she’s probably just playing games, trying to make you cave–everyone knows she’s completely obsessed with you.“]
Kieran stood up and walked to the bar, pouring himself a whiskey.[]
He knocked it back in one gulp, the burning liquid sliding down his throat, but it couldn’t touch the restless irritation eating at him.
“Kieran…” Aurora hugged him from behind. “Stop thinking about her. This divorce is actually awesome news, right? Now we can finally…“]
“Aurora.” Kieran gently pulled her hands away. “I need some space tonight.“[]
Aurora pouted: “But…”
Tell you what I’ll take you to Bergdorf’s tomorrow and get you that Hermès bag you’ve been wanting?” Kieran forced a smile.]
After Aurora reluctantly left, Kieran stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, staring out into the darkness.]
After a long while, he pulled out his phone and called his assistant.]
“Find out where Lorraine went.” His voice was rough, the growing panic threatening to swallow him whole. “And keep it quiet.“[]
After hanging up, Kieran’s gaze fell back on the divorce papers.
THING THE
This was supposed to be the ending they’d both agreed on from day one–so why did he feel so fucking empty inside?
He thought about the past three years: her getting up at dawn to make him bone broth for his stomach, the light she’d leave on when she waited up for him, the way she’d look at him when she thought he wasn’t looking, her eyes full of love…]
“Fuck!” He suddenly hurled his glass against the wall, glass exploding everywhere.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Her leaving should be good news for him, shouldn’t it?]
