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…”

fireworks muffled most of his words, but Tabitha could make out enough to realize he

stopped in her tracks. Suddenly, a smile crossed

dispel the image in her mind, Tabitha

finishing his call, Malcolm glanced back,

the area behind him was empty and devoid of any presence.

wryly to himself as a touch of melancholy

all seven boxes

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

and Malcolm

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greetings with Alaric.

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as he handed out Christmas gifts to Tabitha

and joy, catching the festive spirit on

day and kept hinting that Tabitha was to take charge of it

his

were miles away. She remembered promising Emmanuel just yesterday that she would

on her coat, she vaguely informed Alaric she was

not notice the dark shadow

noon when Tabitha arrived

subtle shadow across his face. Jayden’s words. from yesterday

warm smile,

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

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stunning side profile, Emmanuel took a deep breath and soon flashed a gentle smile that was a signature of his. “Merry

pulled up a chair to sit at Emmanuel’s bedside and asked about hist condition with concern. “How are

Emmanuel nodded. “I should be

sharpness in Emmanuel’s tone, Tabitha could not help but subtly

as she had left it the day before. It sat undisturbed, neither moved nor unpacked.

to his injury and especially without family by his side, Emmanuel

asked, “Have you eaten today?