A Divorce He Regrets

Chapter 18:

I couldn’t hold back the sob that broke from my chest as I moved closer, my hand reaching out shakily.

The moment my fingers brushed against his, cold and frail, my heart shattered all over again. Tears slipped down my face unchecked, each one a testament to the years I’d lost, the moments I’d been robbed of.

“I’m here, Liam,” I whispered, even though I knew he couldn’t hear me. “I’m here now.”noveldrama

I stroked his hand gently, a silent promise to him and to myself. Soon. I would get him out of here. I’d take him far away from this place, from Alexander, from everything that had kept us apart.

As I bent down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, a surge of determination filled me. I would save him. No matter the cost. I wouldn’t let Alexander—or anyone else—keep me from him again.

Wiping the last of my tears, I straightened and left the room. There was no time to linger. I had to keep pushing Alexander until he agreed to my terms. Just as I left the hospital and was about to get into my car, my phone rang.

Dominic’s name flashed across the screen.

“Hey,” I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Where are you?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

“At the hospital,” I said softly. “I needed to see Liam.”

There was a pause, then he said, “All right. Well, I called to tell you there’s a party tonight to celebrate the deal. I thought you might want to attend, you know, as part of our… plan.”

A party. The last thing I wanted was to be in the same space as Alexander, but this was a chance. An opportunity to press him for an answer. I forced a smile, though he couldn’t see it.

“I’ll be there.”

“Good. And, Raina?” Dominic hesitated. “You’ll have Liam back soon. I promise.”

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I hung up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. But first, I needed something to wear. I headed to the mall, hoping to find something that would make a statement—something that screamed confidence, resilience. I wanted Alexander to see just how strong I’d become.

As I rifled through the racks in search of something suitable for tonight’s celebration, a familiar, grating voice drifted through the air, freezing me in place.

“Of all the stores…” Vanessa’s voice dripped with disdain as she appeared in front of me, Eliza clinging to her side with red, puffy eyes.

I took a steadying breath, bracing myself. Vanessa wasted no time, grabbing my shoulder and turning me around to face her.

I straightened, fixing them both with a cold stare. “Is there something I can help you with?”

Vanessa’s smirk widened, and she crossed her arms, stepping closer. “Help? As if you could help anyone but yourself, Raina.” She looked me up and down, her eyes narrowing. “I have to admit, though, it’s surprising to see you out here, strutting around as if you’re untouchable. Considering the trail of wreckage you leave everywhere you go, you’d think you’d want to hide that smug little face of yours.”

I arched an eyebrow, refusing to let her see how much her words stung. “I was here first, Vanessa. So if my presence is such an offense, feel free to shop elsewhere.”

“How dare you show your face here?” she hissed, her voice low but vicious. “Thanks to you, Alexander called off his engagement with Eliza after years of planning!”

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