Emilia studied Theodore, standing quietly before her.
It always seemed like he could read her mind, meeting her with a gentle patience that made her feel seen, even at her worst.
With Tyler, it had been different—back then, their love was a partnership, a shoulder-to-shoulder solidarity. They had been a team, fighting the world together.
But Theodore… he had a way of showing up exactly when she needed him most. He never said much, just a few carefully chosen words, but it was enough to steady her. Enough to make her feel safe.
If she were younger, less battered by life, maybe she would still crave a wild, all-consuming romance—something that burned bright and left ashes in its wake.
But now, after all she’d been through, all the scars and exhaustion, what she longed for was something simpler. Something warm and gentle, a love that healed instead of hurt.
“What’s wrong?” Theodore asked softly.
Emilia shook her head, trying to push away the sudden, inexplicable feeling that she’d met him somewhere before. Not in the business world—somewhere else entirely.
Meanwhile, Bella had seized the chance to scoop up the chubby ragdoll cat while it wasn’t paying attention.
The cat looked as if it wanted to escape, but only halfheartedly; it rested its paw on Bella’s arm without extending its claws, glancing over at the two adults with a look of long-suffering resignation.
“Mrrrow,” it complained softly.
Bella just hugged the cat tighter, rubbing her cheek against its silky fur as the two of them rolled around together on the carpet.
Emilia and Theodore watched the scene, smiles tugging at their lips.
…
Time seemed to slip by in a blink.
Elsewhere, Vivienne and Tyler had finished dinner.
Night had fallen completely by the time Tyler drove Vivienne back to Vivian Floral Atelier. The ride was silent—Tyler kept his gaze fixed on the passing city lights, while Vivienne, sitting beside him, busied herself texting Wyatt from her backup phone.
Their conversation was long and winding, until finally Vivienne sent: “So whether we make a killing this time… all depends on how well we play this.”
After hitting send, she tucked her phone away and studied Tyler’s profile in the dim glow of the dashboard. After a moment, she spoke, her voice laced with feigned concern.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase
Theodore is the right man....
Completely hooked on this!...