After She She Stopped Loving Him

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Charles tapped ash from his cigarette, his posture relaxed but distant. Rachael took that as an invitation, sliding onto his lap and starting to work loose the buttons of her blouse.

But tonight, something was off. Charles usually had a fierce, almost careless appetite, but right now, he felt nothing. He stood abruptly, dislodging her as he reached for his suit jacket. “Nor tonight, he said, his tone flat.

With two rejections in one evening, Rachael’s smile tightened for a fraction of a second. Then she shrugged it off. “Whatever. He’s a restless spirit. He’s never really cared about any of his lovers. I really wanna see him crazy about someone!

Charles slung his suit jacket over his shoulder and stepped into the elevator, where he found his aunt, Simone.

His eyes immediately caught the emerald necklace resting against her collarbone. He raised an eyebrow. “Aunt Simone, since when do you wear emeralds?”

“A gift from Yolanda,” she said, touching the stone fondly. She’d only learned tonight that it was worth a fortune; she’d loved it without knowing its price. “She’s way more thoughtful than you.”

Charles let out a short laugh and pressed the elevator button. “I wish she could focus more on me.

Simone knew that arrogant tone well. She nudged him playfully. “Well, well. Don’t tell me you’re actually sulking. Did Yolanda finally give you a taste of your own medicine?”

“It’s just a game, Aunt Simone. You wouldn’t understand. It’s how young couples play,” he smiled.

She sighed, the humor fading from her voice. “If you care about her at all, end things with those other women now. Before you push her too far and lose her for good.”

The elevator doors slid open. Charles stepped out first, throwing a casual, confident remark over his shoulder. “You worry too much. Yolanda isn’t going anywhere”

He knew she’d been in love with him for fifteen years. He’d seen that unmistakable, starry–eyed devotion in her eyes every time she looked at him.

But he’d also always known the real reason the Grant family had adopted her, and that had been enough to keep him at a distance. He hadn’t set out to hurt her; he just never valued a love that came so easily.

Megan. First, she checked the card and saw six million dollars. Charles was generous,

the renovations and had asked

back.

for two

7:44 Thu, Sep 11

Chapter 35

that.

E55 vouchers

he texted her out of the blue: [Got hurt doing a stunt.] That was it. No details, no

called Scan, who filled her in. “Wayne, Zack’s male

for lan.

whole back is bruised up. He’s tough, though. He didn’t say a word, finished the shoot, and went back

breath. Wayne was the creep who spiked her drink that

with your husband? Saw it on the news. You might wanna step

it out for you. One bad wire, one intentional misstep, and

cause trouble. That was why he waited over a week to send that text. And even

hanging up, Yolanda called Charles to ask where

his lovers. She’d been buried in renovation plans from dawn till dusk. They weren’t

set down his papers. “Work hours? I’m at the office, naturally. Coming to see me?” The last part was laced with a familiar,

voice trembling with a carefully practiced hurt. “I just got a text… someone said you’re having an affair with the CEO of Primecrest

T’ve only slept with that woman exactly once. Who

Some actor… Wayne something? He’s on set with one of my talents. I

Charles, Yolanda sounded like a jealous, naive fool, exactly as he expected. The idea of her getting worked up over a rumor was almost endearing. He just wanted her to trust him and never pushed

quickly turned toward his lover Rachael. ‘Why couldn’t

her off.