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.

MM M

Chapter 80

27% 15:0

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…”

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

her tracks. Suddenly, a smile crossed

if to dispel the image in her mind, Tabitha turned and walked

glanced

was empty and devoid of any presence.

as a touch of melancholy settled into

Malcolm had lit up all seven boxes of

disturb her, so he slept in the

and Malcolm rose early to

MMM

Chapter 80

greetings with Alaric.

27% 15:07

he handed out Christmas

and joy, catching the festive spirit on Christmas

and kept hinting that Tabitha was to take charge of it

faint smile tugging at his lips

Tabitha’s thoughts were miles away. She remembered promising Emmanuel just yesterday

on her coat, she vaguely informed Alaric she was going shopping with friends and

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

o’clock at noon when Tabitha arrived at the

sudden appearance cast a subtle shadow across his face. Jayden’s

a warm smile, “Merry Christmas, Emmanuel.”

the darkened look that crossed Emmanuel’s face, Tabitha turned to set the gifts down while continuing her cheerful

222

UIN

Chapter 80

at Tabitha’s stunning side profile, Emmanuel took a deep breath and soon

bedside and asked about hist condition with concern.

should be discharged in a

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

as she had left it the day before.

without family by his side, Emmanuel might not be in

you eaten today?