Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 12

She waited at the corner for a few minutes, figuring Troy had finished his call.

Then she turned back–only to bump right into him.

Ayla froze on the spot.

ชร

Finished

They were barely three feet apart. Since the divorce, this was the closest she’d been to him.

She caught the familiar, clean scent of his cologne, the one that carried so many memories.

Her heart tightened at this.

Troy wasn’t in his usual suit today. He wore casual clothes, which softened his image a little, but the natural authority and grace around him still pressed down on her. His eyes, however, were cold.

If Ayla remembered right, she was the one who had once picked up that outfit from the store for him.

Not as a gift, just because he asked her to.

Back then, she had loved him deeply. She often bought him gifts, choosing them carefully to match his taste. Yet the things she bought, he never wore.

But the ring on his left hand was still there. A matching band with Skyla’s.

Could it be that he had never taken it off?

When Troy saw her, surprise flickered in his eyes for a second, then vanished.

His face stayed unreadable, and his voice was flat as always. “When did you start liking racing?”

He had ridden in her car before.

If he had paid attention, Troy would have known she was good behind the wheel. But he clearly never noticed.

“I came with a friend,” Ayla said.

“That excuse makes sense,” Troy replied, his tone steady, giving nothing away.

It was obvious he didn’t believe her. He probably thought she knew about Skyla’s race in advance and came just to interfere.

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Chapter 12 An Unexpected Collision

Ayla wanted to explain.

She opened her mouth, but no words came out. What is the point?

Even if I explained, he wouldn’t believe me. He probably thought I was covering my tracks.

Why waste the effort?

Enched

“Tomorrow at six. Come back to the estate.” His words were cold, more like an order than a request. His eyes slid to her hand. No ring.

In three years of marriage, Ayla had never taken it off before.

Is she putting on a show right before me?

Is she still dragging out this one–sided act?

Troy’s patience ran out. His face hardened. He walked away without another word.

Ayla’s hand shook slightly at her side as she watched him leave.

Divorce had been his choice. Now he tossed out a command, walked away, and didn’t even wait for her answer. Did he really believe she would never refuse?

To Troy, she was someone he could summon or dismiss at will.

Ayla took a deep breath, trying to push away the swirl of emotions inside her.

What troubled her more was whether she should go back to the estate.

Martin was there. If she didn’t show up, he would surely overthink it.

But the divorce papers were already signed. She didn’t want to go back.

While she was stuck in this tug–of–war in her mind, her phone rang. “Ayla, stay in the lounge for a bit,” Halle said. “I’ll text you when it’s time. I’m about to take you to meet someone important.”

Ayla pushed aside the thought of the estate and asked, “Who?”

This was not part of the plan.

Halle’s voice was filled with excitement. “The top dog of Zheron, just back from Moblosia.”

Halle had started her own business a few years ago. She had seen big names before.

For her to sound this thrilled meant this person was special.

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Chapter 12 An Unexpected Collision

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“Are you sure I can join you?” Ayla asked, doubtful.

Finished

“Of course,” Halle said quickly. “They’re tech leaders. In just a few years abroad, they broke into markets across several continents, expanded business into more than 20 countries, and their work matches our field. You have to meet them.”

That kind of résumé could land someone on the billionaire list. Definitely a powerhouse.

But Ayla didn’t remember Halle ever mentioning a connection with anyone from Zheron.

“Long story short,” Halle explained, “I had an elementary school classmate who’s close to this guy. I’m only getting in thanks to him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have a shot.”

“Elementary school classmate?” Ayla asked. “Do you even keep in touch?”

“Not really,” Halle admitted. “He posted something on social media. I saw it and shamelessly reached out. He was nice enough to swap some info with me.”

Halle chuckled. “A couple of texts in, I realized this was the kind of person I needed to get close to. And the best part? This top dog is here at the racetrack. Perfect timing, perfect place. I’d be crazy not to go. Even if I’m just there as eye candy, I’ll still show my face.”

Ayla had no words.

Halle knew what she was thinking. “You tech people don’t get it. In business, you need thick skin. Just wait for my message. When the moment’s right, I’ll bring you in.”

Then she hung up.

This meeting wasn’t something Ayla could avoid.

About 15 minutes later, Ayla got the text.

Halle had already arrived and was in the restroom.

To save time, Ayla decided to wait for her there.

Since she was here, she decided to wash her hands and bumped straight into Bria.

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