My Deceased Wife Wants a Divorce (Hannah) novel Chapter 61

“What did you just say?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

“I’ve already informed Sandra that she is no longer with the Rosenberg Group.”

The stern, serious look on his face told her he wasn’t joking.

Hannah froze for a few seconds, forgetting even to push his hand away. After a long moment, she finally snapped back to reality, yanking his hand off her shoulder. She struggled to keep her composure, her voice turning cold and distant. “Anyone who didn’t know better would think I’m some kind of tyrant, ordering you to fire a woman just because I don’t want to work with her.”

Did he really think a gesture like this would move her? That she’d suddenly be convinced of his affection, tear up her contract with Yves, and gratefully join his company?

“Whatever you do is your business, Lionel, but don’t you dare drag me into it. Don’t use me as an excuse to fire people. I won't be your villain!”

She shot him a glare so sharp it could have cut stone, then turned on her heel and walked away.

A complex expression flickered across Lionel’s face.

Hannah returned to the office with her colleagues and threw herself into her work, staying busy until well after eight that evening. When she opened the door to her hotel room and saw Lionel was still there, she froze. She had assumed her earlier words would have been enough to make him leave in a rage.

She hovered in the doorway, keeping a safe distance. He had just showered and was standing by the table in a bathrobe, his hair still damp and dripping onto his shoulders. The robe was open at the neck, revealing a chiseled torso and defined abs, with droplets of water tracing paths down his skin.

Lionel was rubbing his hair with a towel, his movements casual. “How long until your project is finished?”

Hannah frowned, ignoring his question.

“I’m not leaving until you’re done,” he stated flatly.

Only one thought crossed Hannah’s mind: the man was insane.

“What about your company?” she asked, staring at him. “You’re just going to stay here?”

He walked toward her and reached out to pull her inside, but she sidestepped his grasp.

“The hallway is full of people,” Lionel scoffed, turning back into the room. “If you want to make a scene, be my guest.”

Hannah glanced down the corridor, saw the curious looks from other guests, and resigned herself to her fate, stepping inside with a heavy sigh. The moment the door closed, Lionel tossed the towel to her and leaned in close, his eyes narrowed as he gently tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.

“I’ll stay here at night and go to the office during the day.”

Sometime later, she felt the mattress dip beside her, a wave of heat radiating from his body. She instinctively shifted away, wanting nothing more than to keep her distance.

Lionel noticed her movement but said nothing.

Sleep never came. When Hannah finally opened her eyes, the space beside her was empty and cold to the touch. He must have left hours ago. She remembered his words—office by day, with her by night. She wondered just how long he could keep that up.

A department meeting meant she didn't have to go into the office until the afternoon, so Hannah decided to go shopping. She found a dessert shop and had just sat down to order when she spotted a familiar face at a table across the room.

At first, she thought she was mistaken, but a second look confirmed it.

It was Sandra.

Across from her sat a man in a suit. He was heavyset with thinning hair, and though his back was to her, Hannah could tell he wasn't handsome. Sandra was notoriously picky about appearances; she would often pass off cases to colleagues if the client wasn’t attractive enough. Even her friends were all stunningly beautiful.

So what was she doing with a man who was so… average?

Hannah’s curiosity was piqued. Luckily, they were close enough, and the man’s voice was loud enough, for her to overhear their conversation.