Divorced Dazzling and Desired novel Chapter 21

**Raindrops Kissing Silent Streets – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 21**

Inside the sterile confines of the ward, Julian sat by Kayla’s bedside, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that spoke of both elegance and seriousness. He was meticulously peeling fruit, his hands deftly working as he prepared a small offering for Kayla. The quiet hum of the hospital blended with the soft rustling of the fruit skin.

As the door creaked open, Julian’s gaze snapped up at the sight of Renee entering the room. Instantly, his demeanor shifted, the warmth in his expression evaporating like morning mist.

“Ah, so now you decide to show up and apologize? What were you doing before this?” he muttered, his voice laced with irritation as he resumed his task, refusing to meet her eyes.

Adam, standing beside Renee, felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He gently squeezed her hand, guiding her further into the room, his smile a forced mask of cheerfulness. “Julian, let’s not be too harsh on her. Renee was really shaken up yesterday. She’s still trying to gather herself. Please don’t take it personally.”

His eyes darted to Kayla, a silent plea for understanding passing between them.

Kayla, propped up against the pillows, her forehead adorned with a bandage, caught the exchange. A flicker of satisfaction danced in her eyes at the sight of Renee.

‘Hmph! So what if you’re Adam’s wife? You still owe me an apology,’ she thought, a smug smile creeping onto her face.

“Renee, don’t mind my brother,” Kayla said, her tone deceptively sweet, her slightly swollen features twisting into a grin. “Honestly, you don’t have to apologize at all. You nearly drowned yesterday! That seawater must have really messed with your head. I completely understand.”

Her words dripped with a condescending undertone that was impossible to ignore.

Renee stood there, her long hair neatly pinned into a low bun with a simple hairpin, a delicate scarf draped over her shoulders. Despite her pale complexion, there was an ethereal beauty about her, a quiet strength shining through her calm demeanor.

“See, Renee?” Adam interjected, trying to lighten the mood. “I told you, Kayla isn’t the petty type.”

He adjusted his glasses, his handsome face breaking into a gentle smile that was meant to be warm and sincere, yet felt strangely hollow in the moment.

“Well, well, look who’s suddenly so humble! Weren’t you just acting all high and mighty? And now you’re crawling to me for an apology? Renee, did you honestly think you could stand toe-to-toe with me?”

Renee lifted her gaze, a quiet determination shining through. “I knew it. That near-drowning incident at sea? That was your doing, wasn’t it? You had someone do your dirty work.”

Kayla blinked innocently, feigning ignorance, her voice dripping with false sincerity. “Renee, what are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean.”

Unfazed, Renee stepped closer to the table, picking up the half-peeled apple Julian had left behind. She resumed peeling it with deliberate slowness, her fingers expertly maneuvering the small knife. Each movement was graceful, a testament to her calm demeanor, but beneath that calm lay a storm of resolve.

“I expected nothing less from you. Someone like you would never have the guts to admit it,” she said, a chuckle escaping her lips. “After all, there are no surveillance cameras underwater. I have no solid proof that you paid someone to take me out.”

She paused, locking her gaze onto Kayla’s, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Though, I must say, the people you hired were real amateurs. If they had just emptied my oxygen tank right there, you’d be the one sitting at Adam’s side now.”