Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 138

Chapter One Hundred And Thirty–Eight He Chose Her

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Chapter One Hundred And Thirty–Eight: He Chose Her

Dreston’s office was unusually quiet that afternoon. Dreston stood near the window, sleeves rolled to his forearms, tie loosened slightly. His posture was calm, but his eyes were tired.

The knock on his door was sharp.

Before he could respond, it opened. And Tina walked in.

She did not wait for permission. And she did not greet him either. Janet, seated at her desk outside, glanced up in surprise but said nothing.

Inside the office, Tina closed the door behind her with controlled force.

Dreston turned slowly.

“What is this about?” he asked calmly.

But Tina laughed. There was no amusement in it but frustration.

“What is this about?” she repeated. “That’s what you’re asking me?”

She walked further into the room, heels clicking against the marble floor.

“I’m tired, Dreston.”

He remained silent.

“I’m tired of being the woman people whisper about.”

Her voice rose slightly.

“I’m tired of walking into rooms and hearing staff say how good you and Cassienne look together.”

She stopped in front of his desk.

“And you know what’s worse?”

He didn’t interrupt.

“You don’t even defend me anymore.

Dreston’s expression hardened slightly. “Tina-”

“No, let me talk.” She lifted her hand to stop him. “For once, let me talk.”

Her chest rose and fell sharply.

“I stood by you. When your parents disapproved. When people said you shouldn’t divorce her. When the media dragged my name through dirt.”

Her eyes were glassy now.

“And what do I get in return?”

Silence.

“You don’t touch me anymore.”

The words landed heavy in the room.

Chapter One Hundred And Thirty–Eight He Chose Her

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“You barely look at me.” Her voice cracked. “I have to beg you to stay the night.”

Outside the door, footsteps slowed.

Cassienne had been walking toward the office, tablet in hand. But Tina’s raised voice made her stop. She didn’t mean to listen. But she didn’t move either.

Inside, Tina’s tone softened, but it hurt more.

“I feel like I’m losing you.”

Dreston finally moved, stepping around his desk.

“You’re not losing me.”

“Then what is happening?” she demanded.

Her hands trembled.

“You come to work with her. You leave with her. You go home with her. You sleep in the same house.”

Her voice dropped.

“Do you think I’m blind?”

Outside, Cassienne’s fingers tightened around her tablet.

She shouldn’t be standing there. But she couldn’t walk away.

Tina swallowed hard.

“I can’t continue like this.”

The admission was raw.

“I deserve to know where I stand.”

Dreston closed his eyes briefly.

“Tina…”

“No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “I am not leaving this office until you tell me the truth.”

She stepped closer to him now.

“Tell me the truth and I will never bother you again.

Her voice broke on the last word.

The room felt smaller. Outside, Cassienne’s heart began to pound.

Tina’s final question came quietly,

“Do you love your ex–wife?”

The silence that followed was unbearable. Cassienne held her breath.

Inside, Dreston stood very still. Then slowly, he straightened. He looked at Tina without cruelty.

And without hesitation. “I’m sorry,” he said.

Chapter One Hundred And Thirty–Eight He Chose Her

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And he meant it.

“But yes.

The word was steady.

“I love her.”

Tina’s hand flew to her mouth.

Dreston continued, voice firm.

“And I want to start a family with her.”

There was no anger in his tone. No pride. Just the truth.

Tina shook her head slowly, disbelief washing over her face.

“No…”

Her eyes filled instantly.

“You can’t…”

“I can,” he replied quietly.

She stepped back as if physically struck.

“So everything… everything we had…”

He didn’t answer. Because he couldn’t lie.

→ Tears spilled down her cheeks. She turned abruptly, almost stumbling as she rushed toward the door.

The door swung open. And she nearly collided with Cassienne.

Their eyes met. For a brief second. Tina saw it. Cassienne had heard. Shame, heartbreak, humiliation flickered across Tina’s face.

Then she ran.

Janet stood frozen at her desk, stunned by the sight of Tina rushing past in tears.

Cassienne remained still.

Inside the office, Dreston hadn’t seen her yet. He was still standing in the middle of the room.

Cassienne didn’t step in. And she didn’t speak. Her heart was beating too hard.

He said it. Not because she asked. Not because he needed to prove something. But because it was true.

And now, she believed him.

Jane looked at Cassienne, wide–eyed.

“Ma’am… I-”

Cassienne turned slowly to her. Her expression was calm. But her eyes were different.

“Janet,” she said gently.

Chapter One Hundred And Thirty–Eight He Chose Her

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Janet nodded quickly.

“You didn’t hear anything.”

Jane swallowed. “Of course not, ma’am.”

Cassienne held her gaze for a moment longer. Then she turned and walked away. She didn’t go inside. Because she couldn’t. Her chest felt too full. And her emotions are too loud.

Behind the closed door, Dreston exhaled deeply, unaware that the truth he had spoken had finally reached the one person it was meant for.

But outside, for the first time in years Cassienne allowed herself to fall. Not because he chased her. But because he chose her. And openly.

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