After the divorce he begged novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

“Just take it,” Stephen insisted, pressing the card into Rebecca’s hand. “Jeffrey crossed a line. As his older brother, I can’t just stand by.”

Rebecca felt her blood run cold. Letting the card sit there felt wrong, but keeping it felt even worse.

Stephen smoothly changed the subject. “Emily’s classes are on Saturdays, from 8 to 11 a.m.

“The rate is $500 per session. You can get paid after each class or settle monthly. If she enjoys it, we might expand–but I’ll discuss it with you first.”

Rebecca wanted to say no. The pay was generous. But if Stephen was going to be around every time, no amount of money would be worth the stress.

As if reading her mind, Stephen said calmly, “You’ll be working directly with Emily. Most of the time, it’ll just be you, her, and the servants.”

Rebecca glanced up, her resolve wavering.

“If everything sounds alright, I’ll call Lucas now, and we can get the contract signed,” Stephen continued patiently.

“I–I’d like some time to think it over,” Rebecca said hesitantly.

“If you have any concerns, just tell me,” Stephen replied warmly, like a caring big brother. “I’ll help you work through them.“–

Rebecca didn’t dare speak honestly. She couldn’t exactly say, “I’m afraid you’ll manipulate me.”

After a pause, she made up an excuse. “My mom is having surgery soon, and I’m worried the timing might conflict.”

Stephen reassured her gently. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll explain your situation to Lucas.

“Emily has a flexible schedule–it can be adjusted around your availability. And if it really doesn’t work out, you’re free to leave anytime.”

At this point, refusing would seem too deliberate. Rebecca handed the card back to him. “Then, thanks for explaining my situation to Mr. Reed. Since I’ll have a job now, I won’t need this.”

“Alright.” Stephen nodded, not pressing further.

Ten minutes later, Rebecca signed the part–time contract. She’d gone through the terms carefully–no hidden clauses, no penalties for quitting early, no tricky conditions.

Stephen invited her to stay for dinner, but she quickly made an excuse and left in a hurry.

The moment she stepped out of the villa, Lucas came down the stairs, one hand casually in his pocket.

“I wonder how Jeffrey would feel if he knew his precious Rebecca just signed on to be Emily’s dance teacher,” he teased.

“It doesn’t matter,” Stephen replied, his composure unshaken.

Lucas tilted his head slightly. “Should we let someone ‘accidentally‘ mention it to him?”

“No need,” Stephen said calmly. “He probably already knows.”

Jeffrey did know. He stared at the message Stanley had sent him, his eyes cold. ‘I never expected that Rebecca would dare get involved with Stephen. She really has no fear of danger,‘ he thought.

“I told you not to push her too hard,” Stanley remarked. He clearly enjoyed pushing Jeffrey’s buttons. “Now look, you’ve practically delivered her to Stephen on a silver platter.”

1/3

20:27 Sun, 14 Sept

Chapter 24

Jeffrey’s grip lightened around his phone, the air around him growing heavy.

Stanley added kindly. “If you don’t make a move soon, Stephen’s definitely going to stir up more trouble.”

“Let him be,” Jeffrey said, his deep eyes unreadable,

“Alright.” Stanley shrugged, dropping the matter. “Rebecca is not my wife, anyway. It’s not my problem who’s after her or who uses her.”

Jeffrey stayed silent.

Stanley didn’t press him; he knew Jeffrey already had things figured out.

“But there’s something I’ve always wondered,” Stanley said, pulling a chair closer, his eyes bright with curiosity.

34/%

“Stephen never lets anyone know who he likes–afraid you might use it against him. But you’re the complete opposite.” He paused. “It’s like you want everyone to know how much you care about Rebecca.”

Jeffrey gazed out at the darkening sky, not hiding his thoughts. “When you care about someone, don’t you want the whole world to know?”

Stanley was quiet for a moment. Then he asked, “Do you still have feelings for Rebecca?”

“I don’t waste time on people who don’t matter,” Jeffrey replied, answering Stanley’s question indirectly.

Stanley pressed on, “If you care, then why get a divorce?”

Jeffrey shot him a sidelong glance but didn’t answer.

“Does Andrea mean that much to you?” Stanley continued, unwilling to let it go. “Enough that you’d give up Rebecca–the one you’ve spoiled all these years?”

“Without Andrea, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Jeffrey said plainly, never one to hide his feelings. “And Rebecca wouldn’t even be in my life if it weren’t for her.”

“What exactly did Andrea do for you? Save your life? Pull you out of some dark place when you were younger?” Stanley asked, genuinely curious. “Or was it something even bigger?”

Jeffrey didn’t answer.

Stanley kept his eyes fixed on him, not letting up.

“Where’s the ring?” Jeffrey changed the subject, steering the conversation back.

Stanley quickly pulled an elegant velvet box from his coat and handed it over.

Jeffrey took it, stood up, and walked out without another word. Just as he got into his car, he received a call from home–Samuel had been picked up by

Rebecca.

“Take me to Maple Garden,” Jeffrey instructed the driver.

Half an hour later, Rebecca arrived at their new home with Samuel.

She had brought back a small cake–his favorite–and lit a candle before gently holding him in her arms. “It’s our first time in such a small place. You doing okay?”

“Totally,” Samuel beamed. “As long as I’m with you, Mommy, anywhere feels like home.”

“You’re so sweet,” Rebecca said, her heart warming. “I promise–one day we’ll live in a big house again.”

2/3

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify