From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 10

There were dark circles under his eyes, a tiredness I’d never noticed before shadowing the features that once had me completely captivated. He definitely hadn’t slept all night.

“Thanks. My colleague’s here to pick me up. I’ll just have the airplane meal.”

He hesitated, disappointment flickering across his face. But he didn’t say anything. He just followed me to the door, bent down to straighten the slippers I’d left behind, then stood and placed a hand on my suitcase.

“Avery, you’ll come back, right? I don’t know why, but I feel so uneasy. It’s like if you walk out that door, you’re never coming back.”

When he should have loved me, he didn’t. Now that I’d finally let go, he’s acting like this. It just felt meaningless.

“I’ll be back,” I answered.

We hadn’t even started talking about divorce yet. Of course I’d come back.

He smiled a little, his eyes lighting up the way they used to. “Okay. Cindy and I will be here waiting for you.”

I didn’t reply. I just walked out. He followed me silently until I got into Elliot’s car.

After we’d driven off, I looked back and could still see him still standing in the doorway.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with a message from Remy: [Babe, who was that? Is it just the two of you on this trip?]

I laughed and deleted the message right away.

“You didn’t have time for breakfast, did you? I brought you something,” Elliot said, handing me a box.

Inside were hot soy milk, a bagel, and some fruit salad—all my favorites.

“How did you know I like these?” I asked.

“No idea. Just grabbed whatever was cheapest.”

I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. His sarcasm was on another level.

The sun hadn’t even risen yet. A thin layer of fog covered the streets, and the roads weren’t great. Elliot focused on driving, eyes fixed straight ahead.

If he’s been here, just say so. There’s no need to get all icy.

He just snorted, not saying a word, clearly annoyed.

I let out an awkward laugh, hoping to break the tension. “Breakfast is really good. Thanks, boss.”

“Is there anything that can shut you up? Try sleeping.”

What did being in a car have to do with being quiet?

After that, neither of us said anything else. The rest of the trip passed in silence, and we boarded the plane without any trouble.

Business class was warm and comfortable. I hadn’t slept all night, so I put on my eye mask and drifted off almost immediately.

In my dreams, I was back in the year I first met Remy.