Ayla left too firmly, too decisively. It made Troy wonder if the pain and hysteria she'd just shown were all an act. As if she'd deliberately played the part of someone deeply wounded, so real that even he couldn't tell the difference.
Troy no longer had the strength to chase after Ayla. He stood there awkwardly, watching her back as she walked away.
That was exactly how she'd left the house a few days ago.
Ever since the divorce, Ayla had only ever given Troy one thing. Her retreating back. It was too cold. He didn't dare chase her because even if he did, nothing would change. Every inch of her was screaming that she wanted to escape.
And only at this moment did Troy finally come to his senses. Just now, he'd taken the initiative to hold Ayla. That was the first time in his life he'd ever shown weakness to anyone.
I've never bowed my head since I was a kid. So why did I lower myself when I saw Ayla's tears just now?
Why did it happen?
What's wrong with me?
How did it come to this?
Why?!
The moment Ayla ran out, she didn't bother wiping away her tears. She was extremely calm as she searched through Troy's phone. Very quickly, she found the messages between him and Isabella.
Halle was actually in the hotel next door.
Isabella was stalling her.
Ayla still wasn't at ease. She took off running to find Halle.
She suddenly bumped into someone.
Instinctively, she said, "I'm sorry..."
She was about to step around him when the person suddenly grabbed her wrist.
Ayla jolted. She looked up. In front of her was an extremely handsome man.
It took her two seconds to realize it was Draven.
Ayla hadn't expected to run into Draven. He's supposed to be on a business trip. He shouldn't be back until tomorrow morning. Why is he here now?
Is this an illusion?
Before she could speak, the man had already reached out. His warm palm rested against her cheek.
The warmth on her face wasn't fake.
Draven was really standing right in front of her.
Ayla's eyes widened. Tears still clung to her lashes, her eyes red.
In the man's deep, abyss-like gaze, something dangerous seemed to flicker.
Draven's voice was low, not gentle at all. "Ayla, what happened?"
By the time Ayla reacted, she was already wrapped tightly in Draven's arms. Her face pressed against his clothes. The pleasant scent of him filled her breath.
After holding her for a few seconds, the man spoke softly in her ear. "Don't be scared."
When Ayla heard those three words, tears welled up again. She hadn't even realized it herself. She was actually scared that Halle might get hurt because of her.
If Troy had come after her directly, she wouldn't have been this worried or afraid.
Draven's words were just that magical and reassuring. Her emotions calmed completely, even as the tears fell.
Once she calmed down, she realized how disheveled she looked right now. If Halle saw her like this, she'd definitely worry.
"Okay. Let your people go."
Draven loosened his hold. He lowered his head and looked at her tears. His lips were pressed tight, holding back the anger boiling inside him.
"Ayla!" James rushed over in a hurry. He'd finally arrived. "Where's Halle?"
That carefree look James usually wore was gone. His face was unusually serious and cold.
Draven gave the driver a look, and the driver immediately came over. Ayla handed the phone to him. After checking the messages, the driver said, "Mr. Reagen, come with me!"
James snatched the phone, checked the address, and left without another word.
Ayla watched James and the driver walk away, full of worry. She completely failed to notice the emotions surging in Draven's eyes, or the terrifying chill that followed.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla)
Why is half of each of these chapters missing? The story sort of trails off in the middle of the chapter. That’s unfortunate....