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

stopped in her tracks. Suddenly,

image in her mind, Tabitha turned and walked away without

Malcolm glanced back, as

empty and devoid of any

wryly to himself as a touch of melancholy settled into his heart.

up all

disturb her, so he slept in the study

Malcolm rose

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greetings with Alaric.

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

Sinclair manor buzzed with laughter and joy,

the day and kept

stood there silently, a faint smile tugging at his

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

vaguely informed Alaric she was going shopping with friends and headed out.

the dark shadow that crossed Malcolm’s face as she left.

o’clock at noon when Tabitha arrived

face. Jayden’s words. from yesterday echoed in his mind, and fearing his father would cause.

with a warm smile, “Merry

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

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breath and soon flashed a gentle smile that was a signature of his.

up a chair to sit at Emmanuel’s bedside and asked about hist condition with

be discharged

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

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

and especially without family by his side, Emmanuel

“Have you eaten today?