Divorced Dazzling and Desired novel Chapter 12

**Raindrops Kissing Silent Streets – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 12**

As they meandered further away from the clamor of the crowd, Adam paused, turning to face Renee with a sincerity that felt almost palpable. “I genuinely wanted to whisk you away from the confines of the house, to carve out some quality moments just for us. I had no idea Kayla would be joining us today,” he explained, his voice laced with an earnestness that he hoped would bridge the growing chasm between them.

Yet, beneath the surface of his words, a gnawing fear took root in Adam’s heart. It was a fear that, if left unchecked, could blossom into a full-blown nightmare. He was terrified that Renee might decide to walk away from him.

The silence that had enveloped their conversations over the past few days felt like an ominous storm cloud hovering overhead. The empty jewelry box that once sparkled with memories of their love, now lay desolate, a haunting reminder of what once was. The nearly vacant closet, stripped of her vibrant presence, whispered warnings to him, echoing the unspoken truth: if he didn’t start cherishing her soon, the woman he adored could slip away for good.

And that thought sent chills racing down his spine.

Renee met Adam’s gaze, her expression unreadable. His eyes, filled with a mixture of hope and desperation, seemed to plead with her, yet she found herself emotionally detached. The man who had once loved her with such fervor felt like a distant memory; the stranger standing before her now wore his face but lacked the warmth that had once drawn her to him.

“You think I don’t believe you?” Adam’s voice trembled slightly as he noticed the way her gaze drifted past him, accompanied by a faint, almost sardonic smile. The sight of her indifference struck him like a blow, sending a wave of discomfort washing over him.

Renee tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her smile soft yet distant. “Of course, I believe you,” she replied, her tone flat, devoid of the warmth it once held.

“If you truly believe me, then can you kiss me?” His voice held a fragile thread of hope, as if he were daring to believe that a simple act could mend the rift between them.

“I don’t want to,” she said, her response as cold as the wind that swept through the evening air.

In an impulsive move, Adam wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning in to kiss her, but Renee instinctively recoiled, turning her face just enough so that his lips brushed against her cheek instead.

As she turned away, her eyes caught sight of a figure leaning casually against the railing not far off. Dressed in a crisp white three-piece suit, he held a cigarette delicately between his fingers. The warm hues of the sunset bathed him in a soft orange glow, and the gentle sea breeze tousled his hair and the hem of his jacket. He exuded an effortless elegance that seemed almost otherworldly.

It was him—the man who had shared that brief, awkward moment with her in the elevator.

Their eyes met for a fleeting second before he looked away, just as another person approached him, and they began to converse animatedly.

“Renee, let’s head back to our room,” Adam murmured, pulling her closer, his breath warm against her ear. “It’s been half a month since we were intimate. I need you.”

Renee blinked slowly, feeling the weight of his words press down on her. She pushed him away gently, her voice steady and cool. “I’m hungry.”

“Alright, let’s grab some dinner then. I’ve heard the chefs on this cruise are Michelin five-star,” he replied, trying to keep the mood light, though a flicker of disappointment crossed his features.

Adam wasn’t disheartened; he took her hand, leading her toward the dining room where the aromas of gourmet cuisine wafted through the air, promising a delightful meal.

After they finished their dinner, the atmosphere on the cruise ship transformed dramatically. Music began to play, lights twinkled to life, and the decks filled with laughter and chatter, as if the entire vessel had come alive for the night.

On the VIP luxury deck, preparations were underway for a grand masquerade ball, an event that promised to be nothing short of spectacular.

Renee felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her; she wasn’t in the mood to join the throng of revelers. Yet Adam, ever the optimist, insisted on picking out a beautiful mask for her and an elegant evening gown that would make her feel like a queen. With a mix of reluctance and resignation, she allowed him to guide her into the grand ballroom.

The expansive room sparkled with vibrant colors, the lights dancing in rhythm with the music. A live band played a waltz, and couples glided gracefully across the dance floor, lost in their own worlds of romance.

“We haven’t danced together in ages,” Adam said, standing before her with a playful bow, extending his hand toward her. “Ms. Whitley, may I have the honor of this dance?”

Dance? The thought felt foreign to Renee. Since graduation and the onslaught of work, she had neglected that part of her life, almost forgetting the joy of moving in sync with someone else.

Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his, the other resting on his shoulder as they stepped onto the dance floor together, their bodies swaying to the music, though a part of her remained distant.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of envious eyes watched from a booth, seething with resentment.

Kayla sat there, a glass of champagne clutched tightly in her hand, her gaze fixed on the couple with a jealousy that churned within her like a storm.

“Next, we’ll be switching dance partners. Everyone, please!” announced Benjamin Smith, the host, his voice booming across the room.

At those words, Kayla’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Setting her glass down, she rose confidently, weaving through the crowd with a determined stride.

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