Nine months too late: After divorce

The sound of his voice for the first time in four years sent a shiver through her.

She clutched onto the sides of her dress, unable to control the tremble any longer. She wished she didn't look so nervous before him* but she couldn't help it.

Despite the tension in the air, so many questions flooded her mind. Was there a moment he had even be worried about her? Did he ever think of her? Of their babies? Did he know what happened to them?

here?" His question lingered in her marrow.

Perplexity shadowed her face for a second before it cleared. What did he mean by that? After four years, that was the first question he was asking?

Her mind was too frazzled to articulate a sensible response. So, she just stared at him, almost unblinking.

He took a step closer, and another until they were less than two inches apart. His familiar cologne filled her nose. It was Fleur d'Or-one of the ones she used to like. Sylvie could hear her own heart pounding beneath her skin. Could he hear it too?

had to continue any further, her heart truly would explode in her chest.

If this had

In a whisper-like voice, one that would be difficult t

Fear wrapped it's icy fingers around Sylvie's to the person next to them to hear, Kage asked; "What makes you think you can be in the same room with me?"

look in his eyes complimented the ice in his voice. But how could he even say that to her? Besides, she had no idea he was going to be there.

The dead say something to him.

She

She should

s throat, threatening to strangle her to death.

As she e struggled I for the right words to say, he reached for her glass of wine on the table.

Her brows creased, wondering if he if he was going to to drink it.

His smoldering eyes staying on her, he brought the glass closer to his lips. And just when it seemed like he was going to drink it, it slipped out of his hand, falling on Sylvie first before shattering on the floor, right at her feet.

A wild gasp filled the room. Sylvie's eyes rounded as she stared down at her legs. Her beautiful purple dress had been ruined. as well as her shoes. But thankfully, the broken glass hadn't hurt her.

She snatched her eyes back to Kage, surprise filling them. He wasn't smiling-his face was too hardened to smile-but there was a hint of dark amusement in his eyes.

"My mistake. It seems you'll have to go home to clean up," he spoke in a flat tone.

Sylvie

e caught the sub in his words. 'Go home,' he wanted her out of here. Of course, the glass slipping from his hand hadn't been a mistake. Tears simmered just behind her eyelids. How dare he?

Yes, she understood that she had hurt him in the past. She still hated herself for what she did, but what he made him think he was the only one that got to be angry? He hadn't checked on her for four years! She'd thought that there might have been a problem and he'd have a good reason for not reaching out. A tiny, foolish part of her had hoped that he'd 'explain' things when they met. But how wrong she had been. He didn't care for her, nor the kids.

Sat

He was wrong for that!

Anger replaced the hurt that had been in his eyes. She glared hard at him, but of course, it didn't move him.

She shifted her gaze to Cindy who had also been watching the scene, guilt written all over her face. She couldn't hold Sylvie's stare for upto three seconds and quickly looked away. Sylvie's hands fisted beside her. But there was nothing she could do now.

'You're weak. That mocking voice reminded her.

Grabbing her purse, she ran out of the room, feeling the eyes of over a hundred people on her.

"What were you thinking, you foolish girl!? How could you come to the party?" Natalia fumed, looking like she wanted to hit Sylvie in the face.

"Everyone understood what happened. They see you as someone who Kage chased out of the room. Do you know how humiliating that was?"

Astrid scoffed from the couch where she sat, crossing her arms. Everyone looked at Sylvie with judging eyes. But her grandfather's expression was the worst. His eyes were so cold and disapproving. Sylvie lowered her head, taking her lower lip into her teeth. She felt hurt. Ashamed. She never should've listened to Ruby and gone for the party. She was never meant to have any more fun in life.

"I guess she wanted to feel among." Astrid's mother huffed. "Silly girl wants to make use of the privilege of belonging to this family."

"Well, no one must know she's from us." Natalie snapped, sweeping her gaze across the room. "If anyone finds out the girl that was shamefully chased out by Kage is a Cheng, and worst, as an illegitimate grandchild, we'll become a laughingstock. We cannot let that happen. Wouldn't you agree, Galen?" She turned to her husband who had been quiet the whole time. But they all knew he was angry.

Finally, Galen stood up, straightening his suit. His eyes were cold as they looked at Sylvie. "I always knew you'd be trouble from the moment I saw you. But you have to be careful, girl. Bring shame from this family, and I'll have you thrown out. me." Even Ruby will not be able to stopPlease check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

Sylvie's throat constricted, her head remaining bowed. When Galen left, she turned and walked away, to her room.

Maybe she should run away. Four years ago, all her accounts had been frozen and under investigation since Eldon's company was shut down, although Sylvie felt Eldon's company had nothing to do with it and that it was simply the Hawkins trying to drain her dry. Back then, she had been too distraught to follow through with the case, but maybe now she could. She could get back her money and move out of the house. Ruby would definitely be disappointed that she was giving up. Even Sylvie would be disappointed in herself. But she was losing her mind, and she feared that soon, she wouldn't even have a shadow to cling onto.

He stood at the balcony, staring into the lightless sky while Raphael spoke behind him.

He was wearing his pajamas with his shirt open in the middle and exposing his chest. His hand gripped the railings tight, Raphael's words sinking in.

"So, she just returned less than a week ago, but the Chengs are yet to make her known as a member of the family. I think

Sat, No

they're trying to hide that fact." Raphael concluded, his hand crossed at his back.

For a full minute, Kage was silent, his face expressionless.

Sylvie Price. Or what was the name now? Sylvie Cheng.

@ 86%

His grip on the rail grew even tighter. How could she show her face to him after everything? She ruined him, and not even in the way she thought she did.

He closed his eyes, willing the memories to remain buried. The things he'd done... The person he'd become.

Everyone thought he was a monster. They believed he was dangerous and didn't have any good in him anymore. And they were right. He'd become this ruthless, unrecognizable man. And it was all because of her. Because she ruined him "What are your orders, boss?" Raphael asked, knowing damn well that Kage wouldn't want to do nothing' after running into her and knowing who she was now.

But Kage remained silent, lost in thoughts.