Chasing His Runaway Wife by Jamie Stones

Chapter 80

“The company’s giving out fireworks as part of the employee benefits this year. We ended up with extras, so I asked Saul to bring some back.”

Malcolm paused briefly before continuing, “Want to light up a few?”

These particular fireworks were designed for open spaces and were not meant for grand displays in the sky.

Malcolm patiently waited through the prolonged silence for Tabitha’s response. Finally, she replied, “Nah, it’s too dangerous in this dry weather. The doctor also told me to take extra care of myself. I can’t afford anything to go wrong now.”

“Besides, it’s getting late,” Tabitha calmly added, a subtle expression on her face. “I should really head back and get some rest.”

The courage Malcolm had mustered to make the invitation slowly dissipated as it became clear Tabitha remained guarded against him.

Alone, Malcolm walked to the garden, where the fireworks crackled and painted the air with bursts of light.

Under the vivid lights, his handsome face emanated a warm gold as his eyes remained cold and downcast. Malcolm was in a terrible mood.

Upstairs, Tabitha sat on the edge of the bed, absently scrolling through her phone with her thoughts scattered, her mind clearly elsewhere.

Her window, which gave her a side view of the backyard garden, caught the sudden burst of fireworks.

The fireworks were beautiful, and Tabitha could not help but go to the window to take in the view. That was when she caught sight of the lonely figure standing below.

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The garden was alight with fireworks, and there stood the once unattainable, handsome man who now appeared touched by the earthly wonders around him.

Suddenly, a memory flashed in Tabitha’s mind from the year when Malcolm had reached out to lift her up.

With that memory swirling in Tabitha’s mind, her feet were carrying her out of the room and down to the garden before she knew it.

At this moment, Malcolm had his back turned, engrossed in a muffled phone call that she could not quite make out over the fireworks.

Walking closer toward Malcolm, Tabitha overheard him saying, “Have a good rest… We’ll talk about the child later…”

most of his words, but Tabitha could make out enough to realize he was talking

tracks. Suddenly, a smile crossed

the image in her mind, Tabitha turned and walked away

finishing his call, Malcolm glanced back, as if

the area behind him was empty and devoid of

chuckled wryly to himself as a touch of

night, and Malcolm had lit up all seven boxes of fireworks before retiring to his room.

didn’t want to disturb her, so he slept in the study for the night

next morning, Tabitha and Malcolm rose early

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greetings with Alaric.

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than usual as he handed out Christmas gifts to Tabitha and

buzzed with laughter and joy, catching the festive spirit on Christmas

about preparing roasted turkey for the day and kept hinting that Tabitha was to

faint smile tugging at his lips as he observed his grandfather’s

away. She remembered promising Emmanuel just yesterday

Alaric she

plans, Tabitha did not notice the dark shadow that crossed Malcolm’s

one o’clock at noon when Tabitha arrived

appearance cast a subtle shadow across his face. Jayden’s words. from yesterday echoed in his mind, and fearing his father would cause.

greeted Emmanuel with a warm smile, “Merry Christmas, Emmanuel.”

nutritional supplements she had brought as gifts. Unaware of the darkened look that crossed Emmanuel’s face, Tabitha turned to set the gifts down while continuing her cheerful chatter.

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a deep breath and soon flashed a gentle smile that was a signature of

sit at Emmanuel’s bedside and asked about hist condition with

Emmanuel nodded. “I should be

Emmanuel’s tone, Tabitha could not help but subtly glance at the fruit basket beside

exactly as she had left it the

family by

asked, “Have you eaten today? Did