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 was talking to

tracks. Suddenly, a

if to dispel the image in her mind,

glanced

behind him was empty and devoid of any presence.

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

night, and Malcolm had lit up all seven

disturb her,

morning, Tabitha and Malcolm rose early to

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greetings with Alaric.

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

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

for the day and kept hinting that Tabitha was to take charge of

smile tugging at his lips as

Emmanuel just yesterday that she would visit him in the hospital

informed Alaric she was going

by her own plans, Tabitha did not notice the dark

o’clock at noon when Tabitha arrived at the hospital.

was leaning against a pillow, scrolling through his 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

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

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

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

Emmanuel nodded. “I should be

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

she had left it the day before. It sat undisturbed, neither

by his side, Emmanuel might not be in

today?