A Divorce He Regrets

a

ld, piercing gaze, I knew nothing good could come from whatever words he had ready for me. I tried to sl

ze with defiance. "What I do is n

ut it is. Everything you do seems to b

to let him see it. "And here I thought you'd moved on," I replied, ke

else in his expression, something like hurt. But it v

giveness," he said, his tone biting

cof

worse, as if he were talking to something filthy on the bottom of his shoe. I almost laughed-almost.

e through me. Don't let him get to you, Raina. I stead

ke I was something cheap, something worthless. "Whoring your way up to the top-s

ouldn't breathe. The idea that this was the man who was once everything to

rp anger simmering underneath. "I don't have time for wh

in his eyes deepened. He leaned in, his breath warm

voice dripping with disdain. "Waiting for the rig

. I had watched him over the years, watched and waited for the moment when I'd finally get my say, my piece o

e, though the spot where he'd held me throbbed. "You'

oping to escape his hateful

r flanked by Vanessa and his mother, all three of them staring daggers. It was as though they'd been w

lingered on my arm, barely loosened, like he was reluctant t

tepping forward and pulling at my shoulder as if I w

ss. "Maybe you should learn who you're talking to before you start with the accusations," I retorted, fe

, annoyed, as though the enti

ng, only offered me a sharp, appraisi

ne she'd used even before, back when I was his wife and she

st dripping from her words, the ve

k, dismissing her concern. "This isn't

nching toward the door, desperate to escape before

ai

, watching the unfolding scene with a cool, guarded expression. Relief flooded me

owering his voice as he asked, "Are y

I tried to smile, though the weight of t

emeanor shifting as he turned to look at Alexander and his family. "It

t that. "Vultures woul

how much time passed, I realized, he would always be that same man, sharp and closed off, unwilling to look beyond his assumptions.

second he saw my face, his expression shift

tense. He hadn't missed the look in Alexander's eyes,

like this, his easygoing warmth the perfect antidote to Alexander's frosty arrogance. I wasn't here to confront

s mingled in fine suits and dresses, enjoying the evening with effortless grace. The host was now on stage, addressing the crowd, but Alex

ckered to me with a coldness that bordered on disdain. It was as though

g to be polite. But I could see the effort it took-Alexander was not a man accustom

an honor to have you here tonight." His gaze flicked to me, something akin

beating faster, but Dominic wasn

He chuckled, shooting a glance at me. "Not much of an honor if

mouth setting in a line, jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. "It's one thing to conduct yourself in

eyes darkened, and for a second, I caught the barest flicker of irritation-ju

rested in partnering with us." He raised an eyebrow, his hand resting

on of looking away. Instead, I smiled-a small, deliberate gesture meant to sho

e should, making it abundantly clear that any future dealings between us would need my approval. He

the tables turned in a way I never imagined possible. I took a breath, allowing myself to meet Alexander's

ng the question more toward Dominic than Alexander, but

e flickering between us, piecing together something he hadn't anticipated. He masked his reaction quickly,

between us was balanced, and I didn't p