Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Mr Storm is a Fan

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Ayla froze for two seconds, ready to turn her eyes away, when something caught her off guard. A lily necklace slipped out from Skyla’s collar.

She had accidentally bumped into the group on Skyla’s birthday; Max had once mentioned it. Troy had a custom lily necklace made just for Skyla. A one–of–a–kind piece.

He did it because she loved lilies.

And now, she was wearing it at the racetrack.

Ayla’s jaw tightened.

Troy had remembered every single one of Skyla’s little preferences and turned them into thoughtful surprises.

This realization drained all interest Ayla had in the race.

But the VVIP box had a wide, clear view. Ayla could clearly see the seats in the VIP section below.

Lowering her eyes, she saw Troy.

His face wasn’t visible, but his body language gave him away. Every ounce of his focus was locked on the track, his eyes fixed on one figure. He wasn’t distracted for even a second.

For years, Ayla had chased Troy’s shadow, just wanting to get close again. She craved for the warmth of those arms that once pulled her from the waves when she was drowning.

But she had ignored a truth: his heart had long belonged to someone else.

For the bitterness of the last three years, she had no one to blame but herself.

She drew in several deep breaths, trying to steady the ache in her chest, but it didn’t go away.

No longer in the mood to watch the race, Ayla returned to the room. She glanced at the entertainment setup and started fiddling with the games. She picked up fast. Soon enough, she looked as if she’d been playing for years.

Halle noticed Ayla slip back into the room. She knew exactly what was running through her friend’s head. After saying a quick word to Will, she followed her inside.

She came close, leaned in, and whispered, “I know it’s not the nicest thing to say, but honestly- if you were out there racing, you’d outshine Skyla a thousand times over.”

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Chapter 16 Mr Storm is a Fan

Ayla stared at her and fell silent.

Then she muttered, “Thanks, I guess.”

“Feel any better now?” Halle teased.

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Ayla had never thought of gaining confidence through comparisons. Still, she couldn’t deny Halle’s words softened the sting of her disappointment.

Just as she was about to reply, Conrad walked in with Draven.

Ayla had learned that Conrad was the host today from Will. He had personally invited Draven to watch the race.

The two men were nearly 30 years apart, yet Conrad’s tone was full of courtesy and respect–a clear sign of Draven’s influence.

“Mr. Storm,” Conrad asked politely, “did any racer catch your eye today?”

Ayla and Halle stepped quietly to the side.

Draven lifted a glass of champagne from the table.

Conrad quickly raised his glass to clink against Draven’s.

Draven took a small sip and answered flatly, “Not really.”

“I heard you were once interested in racing, Mr. Storm,” Conrad said with a smile. “My son’s into it too, so I’ve learned a lot about different events. It’s exciting stuff. Do you have a favorite driver? If so, next time they race, I’d love to invite you back.”

“There is one,” Draven replied.

Ayla and Halle both leaned in, curious.

“Who is it?” Conrad asked.

Draven set down his glass. “I like Sol.”

He wasn’t being cold on purpose, but his voice was as sharp and distant as he looked. There was no warmth in his tone.

Ayla froze, then felt a wave of panic.

Please! I hope he won’t recognize me.

Halle’s head whipped toward her, eyes wide with excitement. Clearly, she was thrilled.

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Chapter 16 Mr Storm is a Fan

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Ayla quickly shot her a warning look, telling her to stay quiet.

Conrad had done his homework to impress Draven. “I’ve never heard of that racer,” he said politely. “I’ll look this racer up when I get the chance.”

Draven’s reply was cool. “No need. She’s no longer in the sport.”

He spoke casually, without a hint of real interest. His attention never shifted toward Ayla.

She let out a quiet breath of relief. He didn’t recognize her.

That day’s race had two groups, A and B. But since Draven wasn’t into it, he left early.

Once the big shot walked out, the whole gathering quickly broke up.

Before leaving, Will reminded Halle to text him when she got home.

Halle had arrived with her driver, but on the way back she rode with Ayla instead.

Ayla hadn’t even started the car when Halle burst out, “Why did you stop me from telling him? If Draven knew who you were, maybe we could’ve befriended him!”

Halle had held back earlier because she couldn’t find the right opening. Forcing small talk with someone like him would only backfire.

But Ayla’s racing past–that would’ve been the perfect conversation starter.

Without it, even if they saw him again, it’d be just like today: a quick hello, and nothing more.

“Draven is Troy’s half–brother,” Ayla explained. “He took his mother’s last name. He lives in Zheron. We rarely see him.”

The words carried too much info. It took Halle a few seconds to catch up. “Wait–so he’s basically family?”

Ayla was precise. “He used to be.”

Halle’s jaw dropped. “How have you never told me this before?!”

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