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…”

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

Suddenly,

to dispel the image in her

his call, Malcolm glanced back, as if sensing

was empty and devoid of any presence.

to himself as a touch

night, and Malcolm had lit up all seven boxes

was probably already asleep, he didn’t want to disturb her, so he

next morning, Tabitha and Malcolm rose early to

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greetings with Alaric.

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festive traditional suit, Alaric smiled more kindly than usual as he handed out Christmas gifts to Tabitha and Malcolm, as well as to the

joy, catching the

the day and kept hinting that Tabitha was to take charge

a faint smile tugging at his lips

thoughts were miles away. She remembered promising Emmanuel just yesterday

on her coat, she vaguely informed Alaric she was going

not notice the dark

at noon when Tabitha arrived at the

phone, when her sudden appearance cast a subtle shadow across his face. Jayden’s words. from yesterday echoed in his mind, and fearing

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

she had brought as gifts. Unaware of the darkened look that crossed Emmanuel’s face, Tabitha turned to set the

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

Emmanuel’s bedside and asked about hist condition with

should be discharged

not help but subtly glance at

basket remained untouched, exactly as she had left it the day before. It sat undisturbed, neither moved nor

being hospitalized due to his injury and especially without family by his side, Emmanuel might not be in his best mood.

“Have you eaten today? Did your mother…