Chapter 5
Her eyes were red and puffy, voice shaking: “I… am I interrupting something?“]
Kieran shoved Lorraine away hard: “Aurora, it’s not what you think.“[]
He moved so fast and rough that Lorraine wasn’t ready for it–she went tumbling backward off the hospital bed.[]
“THUD“-her head cracked against the sharp corner of the nightstand, blood immediately streaming down her face.]
“I’ll just… I’ll get out of your way…” Aurora was sobbing as she spun around and bolted.]
“Aurora!”
Kieran didn’t even glance at Lorraine bleeding on the floor–he chased after Aurora without hesitation.]
Lorraine lay there, blood blurring her vision.
She suddenly started laughing–laughing so hard tears mixed with the blood on her face.[]
By the time the nurses found her, she’d already passed out from blood loss.
The last thing she heard was a nurse’s panicked voice: “Patient has a head injury! Get a doctor, now!”
And Kieran never came back.]
Because of the head trauma, Lorraine had to stay in the hospital for several more days.]
But Kieran never showed up again.]
She knew he was busy smoothing things over with Aurora. So she didn’t call him once, didn’t even send a text.]
The day she was discharged, the house manager called asking about Kieran’s birthday party arrangements.
Lorraine gripped her phone, silent for a long time.[]
Every year, she’d personally planned Kieran’s birthday party.
The Harper family might be loaded, but they had zero warmth.]
His parents didn’t even know he was allergic to peanuts–every year they’d order a cake with peanut butter frosting.
she remembered the first year she went to his birthday party, she saw him secretly popping allergy pills.
‘Why don’t you just tell them?” she’d asked, her heart breaking for him.]
‘What’s the point?” His expression was cold. “They give more of a shit about quarterly earnings than whether I can breathe.“[]
From then on, she’d personally handled every detail of his birthday parties.
Every dish, every flower arrangement–all according to his preferences.
He never had to deal with decorations he hated or worry about accidentally eating something that would land him in the ER.[]
‘Ma’am?” The manager was waiting on the phone.
Lorraine took a deep breath: “I’ll handle it.“]
This would be the last time.
After the divorce, someone else would be planning his birthdays.[]
She prepared everything meticulously like always, except this time she dragged the manager through every detail:[]
“The cake should be Black Forest, no peanut butter.“]]
“White roses only for the arrangements–he can’t stand red roses.”
“Keep the tequila off the bar menu, it gives him migraines.”
“Write this shit down. Next time you guys handle this, don’t screw it up.“[]
The manager looked confused: “You won’t be organizing it next time?“]
Lorraine looked down, didn’t answer.
Next time…
She wouldn’t be Mrs. Harper anymore.]]
How could she possibly be organizing anything?
The night of the birthday party, it was all glittering gowns and sparkling lights.
Lorraine stood at the entrance in a pale blue dress, greeting guests, watching Kieran walk in with Aurora on his arm.]
Aurora was wearing a pink tulle dress, clinging to Kieran’s side like a precious little doll.]
In that moment, everything clicked.]
Obviously, he’d managed to win her back.
Kieran’s eyes were glued to Aurora the entire night.]
When her champagne glass was empty, he immediately had someone bring her juice. When the wind messed up her dress, he had staff fix it. When she tried something delicious and her eyes crinkled with joy, he couldn’t help but smile, looking completely smitten.
But he didn’t look at Lorraine once the entire fucking night.
Lorraine stood quietly in the corner, playing perfect hostess like some hired help.
When it was time for presents, all the guests had brought ridiculously expensive shit.]
Lorraine’s limited edition watch got the royal treatment–presented on a silver platter by the manager.
“Mrs. Harper has such great taste! This watch is limited to only ten pieces worldwide!“[]
“It’s perfect for Mr. Harper’s style!“]
“Only a wife would know her husband’s preferences so
well!”
Kieran glanced at Lorraine, clearly pleased and said simply: “Thanks.“[]
But when Aurora’s gift was unwrapped, the entire room went quiet for a moment.[]
It was a hand–knitted beige scarf, the stitches crooked and uneven–clearly made by a complete beginner.
