The Doormat Wife’s Ultimate Glow-Up novel Chapter 144

BlackOak Center parking lot.

Reese stepped out of the elevator and immediately spotted the black Bentley waiting in the shadows. The back door eased open from inside. Sebastian had one hand resting on the door, his head tilted as he looked up at her.

“Get in.”

His voice was deep, but he made an effort to keep it gentle.

As soon as Reese slid into the car, a velvet box with a hint of cedar was offered to her. Inside, a thin necklace lay on the velvet, the pendant a tiny star sparkling quietly.

“It’s a gift,” Sebastian said, watching her closely, almost hopeful. “You didn’t care for the last one. Do you like this?”

Reese barely glanced at the necklace before her eyes met his. Her tone was simple and to the point. “Did you find out who drugged me seven years ago?”

“I did.”

Sebastian’s smile faded. He told the driver to start the car. “I’ll tell you after dinner.”

They ended up at a restaurant perched on a hill at the edge of the city. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights glittered against the night. White roses sat on the table, and candlelight flickered, softening Sebastian’s features.

“Happy birthday,” he said.

The waiter had barely set down their drinks when the deep, mellow sound of a cello drifted over from the corner of the terrace. Reese’s hand froze around her glass. She turned toward the music, spotting a cellist in formal wear, bow gliding across the strings, filling the night with gentle melody.

She looked back at Sebastian, her eyes cold, a hint of sarcasm there.

They had been married for 7 years, and not once had Sebastian celebrated her birthday. She’d always noticed. He just never cared. Now, with divorce hanging between them, what was thi last-minute show?

“I hired the principal cellist from the symphony,” Sebastian said. “Didn’t know if you’d like it.” His voice was even softer than the cello. “If it’s too much, I can ask him to stop.”

Reese shook her head. “No, it’s fine.”

And it was, in a way. She could see he’d put in the effort.

But she knew, no matter what Sebastian did tonight, it wasn’t going to move her. Not anymore.

The waiter brought out their food, course after course. With each one, Reese’s expression grew a little more distant.

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