Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 514

Sylvia couldn’t quite figure out what he meant by that.

But before she could ask, Rupert hurriedly picked up his phone.

On the other end, Reese’s gentle voice drifted through.

“When are you coming home? I’m waiting for you.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Rupert didn’t even realize it, but as soon as he answered, his tone softened and he instinctively let go of Sylvia’s hand.

Sylvia rubbed her wrist, eyes lowered, and quietly slipped out of the car while he was distracted.

By the time Rupert hung up, Sylvia was long gone.

He glanced at Orson. “When did she leave?”

Orson gave a helpless shrug. “While you were on the phone.”

“Did she say anything?”

“N-no, Ms. Lloyd didn’t say a word.” Orson’s voice trailed off.

Rupert leaned back in his seat, letting the darkness swallow him. He lit a cigarette in silence, the smoke curling around him like a ghost in the mist.

“Let’s go. And tomorrow—order me a bouquet of flowers.”

His voice was rough, tight.

…

Back at Soho Bay.

As soon as he stepped inside, the warm scent of dinner hit him.

Then, out of nowhere, someone rushed over and threw their arms around him.

It was Reese.

“You’re so late! Didn’t you say your office was close by? I made you some chicken noodle soup—come on, have it before it gets cold.”

Rupert gently untangled himself, keeping his distance. He gave a noncommittal “Yeah,” and brushed past her.

Reese caught the strong smell of smoke on him and frowned a little.

“Rough day at work?”

“No.”

“No! I want this! I’m a woman, Rupert. I just want my fiancé to be gentle with me, is that too much?”

She pressed her cheek to his back, her voice choked with tears.

Rupert slowly released her hands, which felt like a silent agreement.

Her eyes burned as hope finally flickered to life.

But just as she fumbled nervously with his shirt buttons, Rupert brushed her hands away.

“Reese, I need to talk to you.”

“About what?”

Her hands froze midair, her face drained of color, every word costing her everything she had left.

Seeing her distress, Rupert helped her to the couch. “Take a deep breath, I’ll get you a glass of water.”

Reese watched his retreating back, tears streaming down her face. She already knew what he was going to say.

Her chest tightened, pain ripping through her. She collapsed onto the floor, unable to breathe.

When Rupert came back with the water, Reese was already sprawled on the carpet, her face ghostly pale.