Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 8

Chapter Eight: The Confrontation

“And if this is about the divorce settlement,” she said calmly, “then let’s meet in court on Monday.”

“What?”

His reaction was instant. Shock spread across his face like a slap he didn’t see coming.

She narrowed her eyes on him. Why did he look so surprised? Hadn’t he received the divorce papers yet? She gave them directly to Mrs. Rawlings to deliver to him. So what was this performance?

He straightened a little, glancing left and right as if searching for someone, or something, to blame. Then his eyes returned to her–only now, he looked strangely amused.

“You’re serious about the divorce thing?”

She scoffed and folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t think anyone jokes about a divorce agreement.” Then she added, with a firm frown, “And yes. I’m dead serious.”

He stared at her with that ridiculous amused expression, like this was some kind of dramatic act she was putting on. Like this was a scene in a movie and he was waiting for the punchline.

What does he think this is? A game?

“Look,” he began, “I understand you are angry and-”

“Angry?” she cut him off sharply. “You and I both know this is not about anger. I’ve grown past that already.”

She stepped forward–close enough for him to feel the heat of the frustration burning inside her.

“The point is, I am no longer interested in you, Dreston. I’ve grown bored of you. You no longer entice me.”

The lie rolled out so smoothly she almost believed it herself.

And strangely… speaking those words brought her peace.

True peace.

She didn’t miss the effect it had on him. The shock exploded in his eyes–his pupils widened, jaw clenched, his chest rising and

falling a bit faster.

Very interesting. (2)

So this was what it took to make him feel even a fraction of the humiliation she felt for five years.

“Well done, Cassienne. Well done,” she praised herself silently.

“You’re lying,” he said quietly.

But she let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Lie? I don’t tell lies, Dreston. And you of all people should know that.”

“Why are you suddenly talking like this?” he asked, his expression tightening with confusion. It almost looked like he didn’t recognize her.

“Cassienne,” he continued, “if this is all because of what happened in my office-”

He paused, carefully choosing his words.

“Then I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I really am. I didn’t know what came over me at that moment. I swear I regretted it. But your shouldn’t make a big deal out of it. Seriously.”

A big deal?

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Chapter Eight The Confrontation

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Cassienne felt something bitter rise in her chest. Apologies cannot rewrite the way he treated her. They cannot erase a lifetime of neglect. And now, he was too late.

She had tasted freedom–real freedom. Waking up without fear.

Moving around without permission, and working on her own dreams instead of shrinking herself to fit his world. Those are the things she will enjoy now.

And she was not going back to the life she left behind.

“I’m sorry,” she said, though she didn’t feel an ounce of it. “But we are done.”

“Please sign the divorce papers and let’s meet in court on Monday.”

She turned to get into her car.

But his hand shot out and grabbed her arm, pulling her back sharply, causing her to bump into his hard chest.

“You’re walking away from me?” he demanded. She could see anger burning in his grey eyes. He looked too hurt.

But now, she doesn’t care anymore.

“You don’t need to pretend you want to divorce me,” he continued bitterly. “And I will pretend you didn’t just throw insults at

me.”

His glare was sharp enough to cut glass.

Her anger flared.

What did he think of her?

His toy? His property? Something he could return to the shelf when he was done?

“If anyone is calling off this marriage,” he said, voice deep and hard, “it will be me, not you. And since this is a contract marriage that will soon expire, you will have to wait.”

But Cassienne laughed. A cold and disbelieving laugh.

“You don’t get a say in my life, Dreston. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

She yanked her hand free. “We’re done. I’ll advise that you respect yourself if you still want to keep your d-‘

But then she froze.

Because behind him—

walking toward them with careful steps–was Tina.

Her anger rose like a flame touching gasoline.

Cassienne stared at Tina, then looked back at Dreston. And the words burst out before she could stop them:

”

“Just sign the fucking divorce papers, Mr. Tremont. You and your mistress look good together. At least I’m generous enough not to let her have an illegitimate child.”

Tina’s eyes widened. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.

Good.

Cassienne didn’t wait to hear anything else. She opened her car door, got in, and drove off immediately.

In the rearview mirror, she saw both of them standing there–frozen, speechless and stunned.

Chapter Light The Confrontation

And this time, Cassienne loved the look on their faces.

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Crown Imagination Author

Dear Readers,

I want to thank you for your constant supports. I truly appreciate you, my amazing readers.

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Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.