Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 51

Chapter 51 Love

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Arden had just put her phone down when a notification popped up. Eugenia texted in the family group chat, “Arden, come home with Dorian for dinner tonight.”

Theresa added right after, “I already told them to make your favorites.”

Eugenia continued, “We’re celebrating your first day at work! Is there anything special you’d like to eat, sweetheart?”

Arden stared at the messages for a moment, hesitant.

Going back to the Vale estate meant being stuck in the same house with Dorian. And with how things had been lately… that sounded suffocating. Theresa and Eugenia would no doubt find a reason to keep her and Dorian under the same roof overnight.

Besides, she had plans tonight–Caleb had set up a thank–you dinner with someone. It wasn’t something she could just cancel.

The estate wasn’t going anywhere. She could visit another time.

Arden texted back, “Grandma, Mom–I have dinner plans with Caleb tonight. Let’s do another night, okay?”

Not two minutes later, another message popped in. Dorian texted, “Come back to the estate with me tonight.”

She stared at his message. Waited a moment. Then typed her reply slowly.

Arden texted, “I’ve already made plans tonight. I told Grandma and Mom. I’ll come another time.”

Dorian had been watching his phone. He’d expected a reply. He just hadn’t expected… that one. His jaw tightened.

Plans. With who–Vincent? Of course.

With a sharp snap, he dropped the phone face down on the table.

At 5:30 sharp, Arden clocked out. She grabbed her purse, slung it over her shoulder, and left

her office.

Talia had been packed up since 5:25, practically sprinting toward the elevator as soon as it hit

5:30.

“See you tomorrow, Arden!” she waved.

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“See you, Talia,” Arden smiled.

Others were still working late, but she had somewhere to be. Her phone buzzed. Caleb was calling.

“Hey, are you here yet?” Arden asked.

“Caught in a meeting. Can’t make it. But someone else is picking you up–black BMW, plate ending in 618,” Caleb replied.

Arden frowned. “Not your driver?”

“Nope. Someone who hasn’t seen you in a while. Said they wanted to come themselves.”

“Who?”

“You’ll see.” Caleb hung up, smugly dodging the question.

Arden couldn’t imagine who it would be. She stepped into the crowded elevator, letting herself get pressed toward the back.

When the doors opened on the ground floor, she exhaled and stepped out, scanning the sidewalk. Sleek cars lined the street–nothing unusual for downtown–but she spotted the black BMW easily. Plate 618.

Leaning against it casually was a tall man, sleeves pushed up, arms crossed, his gaze scanning

the entrance.

When his eyes landed on her, they lit up. He waved. “Arden, over here.”

She squinted. He looks… familiar?

She quickened her steps, ponytail swaying with each stride, sunset catching the soft glow of her skin.

He straightened as she approached, smiling wider. For a second, he was seeing two versions of her at once–the little girl from his memories and the young woman walking toward him now.

“Caleb sent me,” he said with a hint of a grin.

Arden tilted her head slightly, studying him. “You’re one of Caleb’s friends?”

She clearly didn’t recognize him yet. He chuckled. “Yeah. You could say that.”

“You look so familiar…” Arden trailed off–then her eyes widened. “Wait. At Stellar Lounge… were you the guy I almost hugged?”

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Vincent raised a brow, amused. “That was me.”

She studied him again. “No wonder. I knew you looked familiar.”

Then, Vincent smiled, unbuttoning his sleeve, speaking lightly. “You sure you don’t remember me, Arden? Think a little harder.”

She stared. Her lips parted just slightly. And then…

“Vincent?” she gasped.

That surprise morphed into joy in an instant. “You’re Vincent?!”

He leaned forward and ruffled her hair, just like he used to. “That’s right, sweetheart. Took you long enough.”

She practically beamed.

No wonder he felt so familiar that night. He was her childhood neighbor. Her brother figure. But now–he’d grown into someone steady, sharp, and striking.

He smiled. “Don’t I get a hug for old times‘ sake?”

Arden laughed softly, that dimple showing as she stepped into him and gave him a quick, warm hug. “I really thought I’d never see you again.”

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