Drowning Him In Regret novel Chapter 39

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Chapter 39

Chapter 39

“No, this is fine. I’m busy.” I shook my head quickly, no hesitation, firmly stating my refusal.

Going back to that house? No thanks.

Just thinking about Vivian standing in front of my closet, picking out clothes and jewelry like she belonged there–it made my stomach turn.

It didn’t matter how expensive something was. Once it had been touched by someone like her, it just felt dirty.

Jude looked me up and down, probably decided I was presentable enough, then stood up and walked out with me.

People were definitely watching. I could feel their eyes on me the whole way.

They were probably wondering what kind of trick I pulled to end up with Jude by my side again.

Vivian, weirdly, didn’t show up to stir the pot today.

Then I remembered the new watch she was wearing this morning. Right. That explained it.

She had always been the selfish type–if she got her way, she was more than happy to back off.

In that sense, maybe she was smarter than me.

By the time we got to the estate, Ewan was already fuming. He didn’t waste time–just lit into Jude right in front of me, his voice booming with anger.

In the Carson family, had always been seen as the responsible one.

Even when Jude was out there being everyone’s favorite tabloid head line, I stayed clean and played the good wife.

So when the latest mess broke out, Ewan didn’t even bother asking questions. To him, it was obviously Jude’s fault.

Eventually, he turned to me, his tone commanding, “You’re both going to attend the Carson Group anniversary next week. Dress appropriately.”

I blinked at him, stunned. People online were already predicting our divorce, and he wanted us to keep up appearances?

Then he added, his words matter–of–fact, “When Jude married you, the public saw us in a better light. The company’s image had improved. That was not something we were willing to lose.”

He didn’t even try to sugarcoat it, stating bluntly, “Every marriage in this family mattered. You were representatives of the family. You both needed to act like it. Understand?”

We didn’t say anything, but we both knew he was right.

Ewan had backed Jude all this way—if Jude’s reputation tanked, Ewan would go down with him.

He slammed his cane on the floor, demanding, “Did you hear me? Do you understand?”

“Yes,” we said together, in unison.

He gave a few more instructions, then finally let us go.

On the ride back, I kept quiet, going over everything in my head. Every time I had showed up to these events, I had just been set dressing,

The previous year, he had literally brought anodel to the gala–walked in with her like I didn’t exist.

This year…

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Chapter 39

I turned my head and caught Jude watching me.

“What?” he snapped, clearly annoyed, his voice laced with irritation.

I looked away, replying nothing.

I didn’t owe him anything. I would go to the gala, smile when I needed to, and then go home. This was for Ewan–my last bit of goodwill toward him.

But Jude didn’t like that. He said, sneering, “Just don’t embarrass us. Stick to your role–Mrs. Carson.”

I shot him a look, retorting sharply, “As long as your dear Vivian behaved herself, I would too.”

I could fade into the background if I had to. But her? She was never going to settle for being anyone’s side piece.

I still remembered her eyes when she had taken that divorce agreement at the police station–like she had just claimed a prize.

“She wasn’t like you,” he said sharply, his tone defensive. “Vivian was straightforward.

“Not manipulative. She didn’t obsess over money or make a scene. At least she hadn’t acted like she wanted a divorce and then backtracked in front of Grandpa.”

And just like that, Jude was no longer the ice–cold CEO everyone had feared. He was just some guy who couldn’t stop complaining, buzzing in my ear like a mosquito.

“Stop the car,” I said flatly, my voice cold and determined.

The driver hit the brakes. I threw the door open and stepped out before the car even came to a full stop.

After a few steps, I reached into my bag, pulled out the divorce agreement, and tossed it into the back seat, declaring, “You want a divorce? Then sign it.”

flagged

1 flagged down a taxi. But before I could get in, Jude slammed the door shut.

“What the hell are you doing?” I snapped, my voice rising in anger.

This guy was seriously losing it. Back when I was the one chasing him, he couldn’t have cared less.

Now that I was finally ready to walk away, he was suddenly clinging on.

He hesitated, then said, “Come home.”

“I’m staying at Casey’s,” I replied firmly.