Chapter 58
D
The silence that followed Jairus’s words was deafening.
His accusation hung in the air like a storm cloud. It was heavy and was making me suffocate.
I stared at him. And my heart splintered under the weight of his misplaced blame. After everything he had done, after all the humiliations and betrayals, he still saw me as the problem.
I swallowed hard as I fought the lump rising in my throat. “You’re right, Jairus.“}
My body, my voice, all of me was trembling in pain and frustration.
“I’ve gone too far… too far in loving someone who doesn’t deserve it. I’m done. I want a divorce.“}
His eyes widened and his jaw dropped the moment I said those words. Shock flickered across his face before being swallowed by
anger.
“Divorce?” he spat in disbelief. “You’re being ridiculous.”
I held his gaze. I was steeling myself despite the tears threatening to spill. “I’ve never been more serious.”}
Jairus’s jaw tightened. And his fists clenched at his sides. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the café.
Katie, who had been watching the exchange with thinly veiled satisfaction, lingered for a moment. She stepped closer. There was that familiar smug smile playing on her lips.
“Divorce, huh?” she said with mock sympathy. “I guess it was inevitable. But don’t worry, Vanessa. I’ll take good care of Jairus. Better than you ever could.”
Her words cut deep, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of a response.}
Instead, I turned away. I focused on the coffee cup in front of me. The warmth was long gone.
Minutes after they left, I finally gathered my things and left the café.
The evening air hit my face, but it did little to clear my muddled thoughts. The pain in my chest was a relentless ache. And the world around me felt blurred and distant.
I replayed Jairus’s words over and over in my mind as I crossed the street. I was too consumed by my own thoughts to notice the blaring horn and screech of tires.
Everything seemed to slow down at that moment.
The headlights blinded me. Instaly, panic surged through my veins. But my body froze, unable to move, as the car sped toward me.
But out of nowhere, a strong hand grabbed my arm and yanked me back onto the sidewalk.
I stumbled. All I could hear was the loud sound of my heart racing. I looked up to find a familiar face staring back at me. “Ms. Hart, are you okay?“}]
It was Mr. Williams, my client from earlier. His brow was furrowed with concern as he steadied me.”
“I–I didn’t see it,” I stammered.}
“You were distracted,” he replied. Then he guided me to a nearby bench. “You could’ve been seriously hurt.“}
I nodded. I was still too shaken to form a coherent response. My legs felt like jelly beneath me. I was grateful for his support as I sank onto the bench.
He crouched in front of me. “Let me take you home. You’re in no condition to be walking around alone.”
I hesitated as I was too embarrassed by the situation but too rattled to refuse. “I… okay. Thank you.”
He guided me to the parking lot where his car was. Then he helped me inside.
The ride was quiet at first.
After a few moments, Mr. Williams glanced at me. “Forgive me for prying, but… what’s your relationship with Jairus Thatcher?”
The question caught me off guard. I looked down at my hands. My fingers were twisted together. “It’s… complicated,” I almost whispered.”
He nodded. “Fair enough. I won’t press.”>
We fell silent again.
2
As we approached my building, I turned to thank him. “I appreciate the ride, Mr. Williams. And again, I’m sorry about today’s… disruptions.“%
He shook his head, brushing off my apology. “No need to apologize, Vanessa. You handled everything with poise… despite the circumstances.”
His words were unexpected. And for a moment, I felt seen in a way I hadn’t in years.”
He stepped out and opened the door for me. “And about your proposal earlier,” he added with a small smile, “I’ve decided to move forward with your firm. I think we’ll make a great team.“”
I froze, caught off guard. “You’re serious?“”
“Completely.” His gaze held mine. “I’ll have my assistant finalize the paperwork tomorrow. I have a feeling we’ll be working closely together from now on.”
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