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…”

but Tabitha could make out enough to realize he was talking

stopped in her tracks. Suddenly, a smile crossed her

in

finishing his call, Malcolm glanced back,

empty and devoid of

as a touch of melancholy

was a long night, and Malcolm had lit up all seven boxes

already asleep, he didn’t want to disturb her, so he slept in the study

Malcolm rose early to exchange

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greetings with Alaric.

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out Christmas gifts

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

kitchen staff about preparing roasted turkey for the day and kept hinting that Tabitha was to take charge of

his lips as he observed his grandfather’s

thoughts were miles away. She remembered promising Emmanuel just yesterday that she would visit him in the hospital

coat, she vaguely informed Alaric she

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

at noon when

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

greeted Emmanuel with a warm smile, “Merry Christmas,

Unaware of the darkened look that crossed Emmanuel’s face, Tabitha turned to set the gifts

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took a deep breath and soon flashed a gentle smile that

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

should be discharged in a few

Emmanuel’s tone, Tabitha could not help but subtly glance at

she had left it the day before. It

by his side, Emmanuel might not be in his

you eaten today? Did your