Once Cast-Off Wife Now Untouchable Queen novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Don’t Wait for Me

At seven o’clock that evening, Aella arrived at the restaurant.

Tyrone pulled out her chair like a gentleman.

She sat down, quietly watching as he ordered for them.

He wore a black suit with a matching shirt. Instead of looking dull, the outfit only made him appear more refined and reserved.

Tyrone had been raised since childhood to be the successor of the Winters. He had the pedigree, the education, the discipline, the manners, and the mind.

Aella had known him for 25 years. In all that time, she had never once heard him raise his voice, lose control, or act rudely.

Even with the waiters, he was calm and polite.

It felt like everything in his life was always under control.

Tyrone was a remarkable man.

And a man this perfect had married a woman he did not love.

Divorce was only a matter of time.

While they waited for the food, Tyrone set a small jewelry box by her hand. “Your anniversary gift,” he said.

Aella wrapped her fingers around her glass of water, nodded lightly, and glanced at it without expression.

She had loved Tyrone for 22 years and had been married to him for three.

Aella knew better than anyone that behind his polished manners, his heart was cold and distant.

When she was younger, she used to pester him for gifts.

He would give in eventually, annoyed, and she would show off the present for days.

But that was before everything collapsed. After her family went bankrupt, her mother reminded her that she was no longer an heiress, just an ordinary girl.

Her mother said she wasn’t a match for Tyrone anymore.

From that day on, Aella never dared to throw tantrums again.

She never asked Tyrone for anything.

Still, even if he didn’t love her, Tyrone kept up appearances.

On her birthday, Valentine’s Day, their anniversary, and even Women’s Day, there was always a gift waiting.

Tonight was no different. Seeing Aella was not in the mood, Tyrone opened the jewelry box himself and pulled out a diamond bracelet.

One glance told her it cost at least seven figures.

He reached for her left hand, his long fingers closing around hers as he tried to slip it on.

Aella instinctively pulled her hand away.

Tyrone tightened his grip on Aella’s hand. His eyes studied her with quiet sharpness.

“You don’t like it?” he asked.

There was a time when he could hand her a simple hair tie, and she’d beam with joy for days.

Now, he had just slipped a bracelet on her wrist, and she pulled away.

Aella shook her head, brushing it off. “It’s fine.”

Tyrone fastened the bracelet more firmly. “It looks beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Aella said softly.

Tyrone frowned.

She had followed him everywhere since they were kids, always asking for little things.

No matter how small, she never hesitated to take what he gave.

Now, after three years of marriage, she was suddenly polite with him.

He guessed it was because of Zera. He’d been distracted and had even forgotten their anniversary. She must still be angry.

Tyrone picked up the utensils and passed Aella the dessert. “Your favorite, chocolate truffles,” he said.

Aella stared at the plate, then lifted her eyes to him. “If I wanted something you cooked yourself, would you learn for me?”

Tyrone cut his steak with calm precision, his voice low and smooth. “Everyone has their skills. The chefs here, even the apprentices, could make it better than I ever could. Whatever you want, just buy it. Don’t worry about the money.”

Aella lowered her gaze, hiding the hurt.

Everyone has their skills. That was his answer.

She had known Tyrone for so many years. Normally, even when something came up, she would only call him once.

If he didn’t answer, she sent him a text. She could send him dozens of messages on WhatsApp, but she never dared to bombard him with phone calls.

That was Tyrone’s rule.

She also knew he was busy. He attended formal events all the time, and she didn’t want to cause him trouble.

But this call was different. It was clear who was calling-his first love.

She saw urgency in Tyrone’s eyes. What she missed was the anger.

When the fourth call came through, Tyrone finally spoke. “I’ll leave the driver for you. Head home and rest. Don’t wait for me.”

As he stood, Aella stood too.

She swallowed the dull ache in her chest and grabbed her bag and phone. “You’re busy. I’ll call a cab.”

Tyrone gave no explanation, and Aella didn’t ask.

Distracted, she turned to leave and bumped into a passing waiter. Her phone and bag fell on the floor, scattering everything across the carpet-including the divorce papers she had just printed at the law firm.

Tyrone bent down to pick them up, but Aella snatched the papers first.

Now wasn’t the time to reveal the truth.

Not until her mother was out of the hospital.

Tyrone’s eyes swept over the makeup scattered on the floor, then moved to the papers in Aella’s hand. His gaze grew sharp, cautious.

He reached out. “What are those?”

Aella forced a calm tone. “Some medical notes.”

He didn’t buy it. “Really?”

Before she could hide them, Tyrone almost yanked the file away.

The papers stretched between them, each holding on tight, neither willing to let go.

Just as the corner of the file started to slip from her grip, Tyrone’s phone buzzed again. He glanced at Aella, then let go.