The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 93

Jotham stepped into the room, and in that moment, memories of his life with Ramona flooded his mind.

Shortly after their wedding, Holt Group had been swept up in a wave of critical projects. Ramona buried herself in work, barely coming up for air. She’d seen the strain it put on Jotham and was the first to suggest canceling their honeymoon.

Later, Ramona often worked late into the night, negotiating deals on her own. Not wanting to disturb Jotham's sleep, she took the initiative to move into the guest room, and they started sleeping in separate beds.

Jotham sat down slowly on the edge of the bed, his palm gliding over the smooth, neat sheets. They were understated and comfortable.

He had no idea what brand they were, but he remembered overhearing a housekeeper mention that every item in the house, big or small, had been handpicked by Ramona whenever she could find the time. Even the smallest trinket in his own room bore her touch.

He looked up, and for an instant, it was as if Ramona was standing right in front of him, smiling with that radiant joy of hers. Back then, her eyes had been as clear and bright as fresh winter snow, no matter what troubles she faced, she never let him see even a hint of vulnerability.

When she was around, he’d always felt safe. At peace.

“Ma’am?”

The housekeeper’s voice snapped him out of his reverie as she pushed open the door.

Ramona’s bedroom was usually dark. Seeing the lights on tonight, she’d assumed Ramona must have returned. But when she spotted Jotham, a flicker of surprise crossed her face.

“How long has it been since Ramona was here?” Jotham stood, his tone casual as he paced around the room.

He moved from cabinet to cabinet, opening every drawer and closet with a rare, deliberate care, almost as if searching for evidence that Ramona had truly lived here.

“It’s been a month since she moved out,” the housekeeper replied.

A month?

Had it really been that long since she left?

All this time, he’d told himself they’d only had a falling out, that it hadn’t been that serious.

“Do you know where she went?”

“No, sir. She didn’t say, and she left in such a hurry. Most of her things are still here.”

Jotham knew he was grasping at straws. As the housekeeper answered, he pulled open a drawer. Inside, everything was meticulously arranged: small gifts and letters, all carefully preserved.

These were the gifts he’d given Ramona back in college, back when he was courting her.

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