After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 8

Gideon glanced at the suitcase by Aria's side, his brow furrowing. “That’s enough of a tantrum, Aria. Don’t push your luck.”

A tantrum?

Even now, Gideon thought she was just acting out.

It was laughable.

“I’m not throwing a tantrum.” Aria tightened her grip on the suitcase handle. “And I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m…”

*Didn't you see the resignation and divorce papers?*

But before Aria could finish, her phone rang.

It was Old Mr. Evernight.

Why was he calling her at this hour?

Remembering that her twenty million dollars were still in Old Mr. Evernight’s hands, she put down the suitcase, went into the bathroom, and answered the call.

If Gideon found out she was getting another twenty million from their divorce, he would never let it go.

“Grandpa, why are you calling so late?”

“Aria, you can have your divorce, and our original agreement still stands. But it was for a three-year marriage. Not a single day less.”

The old man’s unquestionable, icy voice came through the phone.

Aria frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

Before she married Gideon, Old Mr. Evernight had truly treated her like his own daughter, always bringing her gifts whenever he visited Evercrest Prosperity Holdings.

But after she and Gideon got married, his attitude had taken a sharp turn for the worse.

Aria still couldn’t figure out what had gone wrong.

“Since it’s a three-year marriage, and the three years aren’t up, you can’t move out.”

Even from the family estate, Old Mr. Evernight was well-informed. His tone left no room for argument. “You must complete the full three years. Otherwise, I won’t give you the twenty million.”

“You’re not in a position to negotiate with me.”

The call ended. It was Old Mr. Evernight’s final warning.

Aria put her suitcase back in its place and frowned when she saw Gideon still in her room. “Why are you still here?”

Shouldn't he be at the hospital with Lilith? Why was he staring at her?

Gideon sized her up.

Honestly, Aria had a great figure. She was beautiful, with fair skin and, most notably, her gaze was wide and luminous, like a calm lake reflecting a storm.

Aria opened the door. “It’s late. You can leave now.”

There was a time when Aria had wanted a normal married life with Gideon, but he had never shown any interest.

Now, she no longer had any expectations of sleeping with him again.

Gideon raised an eyebrow and stood up. “Aria, this playing hard-to-get act is getting old.”

“Weren’t you the one who had my grandfather force me to marry you?”

He reached out, pulling her into his arms. His fingers slid under her clothes as he whispered in her ear like a lover, “Did you just wash up?”