Billionaire’s Ex-wife : Craving You

Chapter 73
HAZEL
FOUR YEARS AGO
Kelvin’s arrest for a slew of heinous crimes – drugs, rape, blackmail, and even murder – has guaranteed his absence from society for the foreseeable future. It’s astonishing how my name managed to remain untarnished in the drug case, despite the undeniable evidence of my involvement caught on tape. As I reflect on this, especially with my impending wedding just a week away, I can’t help but view it as an unexpected pre-wedding gift – the liberation from the shackles of fear that Kelvin’s reign of terror instilled. It’s a gift everyone would cherish, without a doubt.
Parking my car gracefully by the side of Ravel’s office driveway, I emerged from the vehicle, reveling in the day’s joy. Today, I find myself behind the wheel, a departure from my usual routine, as happiness courses through my veins. Having borrowed one of Ravel’s luxurious cars, I led the way while Adam dutifully followed behind, a silent sentinel of security.
Entering the elevator, I took a moment to compose myself, smoothing my hair with delicate gestures, my anticipation palpable as I waited for the familiar ping of the elevator’s arrival. As the doors opened, I stepped out gracefully and confidently, striding toward Ravel’s office. Remarkably, his secretary didn’t attempt to halt my progress this time, a fact that did not go unnoticed.
Ravel’s attention was swiftly drawn from his laptop as the door announced my arrival. His face illuminated with a bright smile, he rose from his desk and moved to greet me with a warm embrace. I placed a tender kiss on the pulse point of his neck, my affection for him evident. “I’ve missed you, Rav,” I whispered, though the passage of time had been minimal – only a few hours had passed since I last saw him. In truth, we had even woken up together earlier this morning.
Ravel’s lips met mine in a tender kiss before he released me and guided me over to the plush black sofa. With a gentle smile, he remarked, “I’m well aware of how much you missed me, but I’m sure your visit isn’t just about expressing that.”
Acknowledging his understanding of my busy schedule with wedding preparations, I shifted the conversation’s tone. “I came across the news about Kelvin,” I noted, my expression more solemn.
Ravel’s response was casual, almost dismissive. “Shouldn’t we be celebrating?” he suggested, as if Kelvin’s downfall was a cause for rejoicing.
Well, it is.
However, my desire to comprehend the situation prompted me to press further. “We will celebrate, no doubt, but first, I want to understand what transpired.” I leaned into a more serious stance. “You had a hand in his arrest, didn’t you?” I inquired, seeking the truth. Ravel’s response was a nonchalant shrug, leaving me frustrated. I folded my arms, forming a subtle pout, hoping that my expression might coax him into sharing more. “Could you at least enlighten me on why he didn’t expose the incriminating pictures of me to the authorities?”

“Why don’t you allow me to handle that matter?” Ravel responded cryptically, sidestepping a direct explanation. He shifted gears by asking about my recent wedding gown fitting experience, attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction.
Persisting with my inquiry, I reverted back to the pressing topic. “I need to know what happened to Kelvin,” I stressed, my determination unwavering. “He held me hostage through blackmail for months, Rav. I deserve to understand the truth – why didn’t he implicate me?”
Ravel’s gaze was intense, as if he were weighing the pros and cons of revealing the information. Rising from my seat, I joined him on the sofa, settling onto his lap. His arms encircled my waist, drawing me close. “He maintained his silence and handed over those incriminating pictures to me in exchange for freedom,” he finally divulged.
My eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “Freedom? He hardly seems free at the moment,” I remarked dryly, struggling to wrap my head around the situation.
Ravel’s revelation finally came to light. “He’s not the sole perpetrator in the murder,” he disclosed. “His younger sister was equally complicit, and he used her as leverage. In exchange for her immunity, he surrendered those pictures and pledged his silence. With substantial evidence against his sister, I’m confident he won’t pose a threat to you anymore.”
I let out a breath, the pieces falling into place. “So, in essence, you’re leveraging his vulnerability against him,” I summarized, realizing that Ravel had essentially turned the tables on Kelvin using the same tactics.
Leaning in, Ravel pressed a gentle, chaste kiss to my forehead. “Blackmailing a blackmailer,” he stated with a wry smile, his logic sound. “Had he not targeted you, I wouldn’t have countered with this strategy. Consider it his own karma catching up
with him.”
I reminded myself not to feel sympathy for Kelvin, as he deserved the consequences he faced. “I apologize for the added stress,” I murmured, my fingers lightly smoothing over the nearly imperceptible dark circles under his eyes. “Dealing with Kelvin must have been quite taxing.”
Ravel’s grin was infectious, revealing his handsome right cheek dimple. “There’s no stress that comes from you, Hazel. Besides, I must admit, confronting him was rather satisfying.” he admitted, his eyes gleaming mischievously.
Understanding my need to leave, I slid off his thigh and playfully blew him a kiss, sna tching up my purse in the process. “I’m off to do some cake tasting. Elenor will be meeting me there, so I better get a move on.”
Rising from his seat, Ravel declared his intention to accompany me. “I’ll join you,” he decided, moving towards his jacket. “I’ve been a bit detached from the wedding planning.”
I shook my head, appreciating his gesture. “Ravel, you were engrossed with your laptop when I arrived,” I reminded him gently. “Don’t worry about the cake. Focus on your work, I’ve got this.” It was clear that he had his hands full and I was perfectly fine handling the cake tasting on my own.
“I can always catch up on work later,” he persisted, determined to be more involved. “I should contribute beyond just fitting into my tux,” he added with a chuckle, his smile infectious. “I see how stressed you are because you are handling everything.”
I laughed softly, seeing through his intentions. “You’re the one who seems more stressed now,” I pointed out, a hint of truth in my words. Approaching him, I traced my fingers over his abdominal muscles and pulled him closer. “Let’s not add to the stress you’re already carrying, Rav. Besides, Elenor and I have plans for a spa day after the cake tasting.”
He let out a defeated sigh. “Can I at least drive you there?”
With a playful grin, I shook my head and dangled my car key in front of him. “I came in my own car. Thanks for the offer though.” One more kiss sealed our interaction before I made my way out of his office, ready to handle the next task on my list.
I am ecstatic to the extent that I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs. Maybe because I’m now a free woman or maybe
married next week.