Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 The Childhood Sweetheart

The bar was its usual riot of noise and indulgence. Dorian went straight to the private room.

Finished

When he pushed the door open, the room was lively. Every man had a beautiful woman beside him, pale- skinned and long–legged.

Someone whistled. “Dorian, thought you wouldn’t show.”

It was Cassian Fox, one of the heirs of Avalen’s four major families.

Dorian loosened his tie, unbuttoned two buttons of his shirt, and walked over to the sofa.

The woman next to Cassian wore a cropped top that revealed her waist. The moment Dorian entered, her eyes never left him.

Broad shoulders, narrow waist, every casual movement carried an untamed confidence. When he sat down with his legs relaxed, the lean strength of his build was unmistakable.

Someone clicked their tongue. “Dorian, don’t tell me you came because Vivienne is showing up tonight.”

It was Damon Boyd, Isla’s brother.

Vivienne Ash was the Ash family’s daughter. The Ash family had once been among the four great families but had declined over the years.

More importantly, the Ash and Vale families had once been neighbors. Vivienne and Dorian had grown up together.

Dorian did not respond. He lit a cigarette, held it between his lips, and tossed the lighter onto the table with a sharp sound.

Cassian waved a hand. “Get Mr. Vale a girl.”

The server looked nervous but nodded quickly.

“Make sure she’s top–tier. Mr. Vale isn’t just anyone.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Fox. We’ll make sure he’s satisfied.”

Dorian lifted his gaze lazily, his voice cool. “No need. I’m just here for a drink.”

“Come on,” Cassian teased. “You’re telling me you’ve been clean for three years overseas? Still not interested in women?”

He pinched the waist of the woman beside him and laughed. “Oh right. Almost forgot. You’re married.”

He smirked. “Your wife keeping you on a tight leash?”

Dorian glanced over, his narrow eyes dark under the dim lights, cold as night itself.

Cassian shut up instantly.

1/4

Chapter 6 The Childhood Sweetheart

19 Firochet

Thee Rourke chimed in. “Seriously, Dorian, are you really going to stay faithful for one woman?

Dorian narrowed his eyes and said nothing.

The secret marriage was known only to these childhood friends. They also knew he had been forced into registering by his grandmother.

Cassian clicked his tongue. “Didn’t even make it public. Being your wife sounds miserable, like she has to hide.

He added, fanning the flames, “Is she ugly or something?”

“She’s beautiful,” someone said. “Best–looking girl among the elite families, young and pure.”

Another voice added, “Isla posted something today standing up for Arden. She was clearly throwing shade at Dorian. Might as well have called him a jerk outright.”

Theo scoffed. “Marriage freaks me out. One woman, no freedom. I’m not giving up every option out there just to settle on one.”

Dorian listened without reacting. When he still did not respond after a while, they exchanged glances.

Cassian finally spoke again, casual,. “Dorian, did you come back for Vivienne?”

Dorian leaned forward slightly, tapping ash from his cigarette. “Who did you say?”

“Vivienne Ash. Your childhood sweetheart.”

Someone nodded. “She’s crazy about you. Always has been.”

Theo took a drink and added, “Back when she saw you with Arden, she even asked me indirectly what your relationship was.”

Cassian grinned. “What do you think she’ll do if she finds out you’re married?”

“She’ll lose it. She’d probably tear your wife apart.”

Dorian said flatly, “I have nothing to do with Vivienne.”

“Nothing?” Cassian scoffed. “If she hadn’t gone abroad back then, she’d be the one marrying you, not the Wynn family’s precious daughter. Or maybe she chased you back after hearing you returned. You just got back last night, and she landed in Avalen this morning.”

Dorian’s eyes remained emotionless. “Isn’t she about to get engaged? That joke’s gone too far.”

The detachment in his tone made the room fall quiet. Theo asked, “If she’s getting married, how do you feel?”

“I’m not interested in other people’s marriages.”

Silence followed. At that moment, the door opened.

214

Chapter 6 The Chalhobd Sweetheart

The woman who entered was striking, red lips bold and beautiful. It was Vivienne.

Firichad

The moment she stepped inside, her eyes locked onto the most eye–catching man in the room. Three years apart, and her gaze was almost greedy.

“Dorian,” she said, her voice trembling.

Cassian and Theo exchanged looks. The fire in her eyes was impossible to miss.

Vivienne loved Dorian. Maybe the engagement rumors were just her way of provoking him.

But the man on the sofa kept his head lowered, cigarette between his lips. When he finally looked up at her, his eyes were calm, like a still lake.

“Here,” he said lightly.

Vivienne clenched her fingers, her heart pounding.

“Yes.”

She walked over and sat beside him, leaned forward slightly, poured two drinks, and handed one to him.

Dorian raised a brow. “Feeling better now?”

“It’s been three years. Mostly recovered. Just some lingering issues.”

She looked at him carefully. “That girl, Arden. What did you do to her afterward?”

Dorian remembered that day.

He had seen Arden push Vivienne down the stairs. Vivienne had been bleeding. She had been three months pregnant, and the baby was gone.

He remembered the disgust in his own eyes as he confronted Arden, “You’d go that far just to get me?”

Vivienne, pale and sweating, had still defended Arden. “She didn’t mean it. I lost my balance. Dorian, my baby. Our baby is gone. I’m in so much pain.”

The hatred in his gaze toward Arden had been unmistakable. That look was burned into Arden’s memory. So were the words our baby. Dorian’s fingers traced the rim of his glass. “As long as you’re fine.”

As Vivienne stood up, someone bumped into her. She stumbled forward and leaned briefly against

Dorian.

The cool scent on him filled her senses. She inhaled deeply, greedily. Her hand lifted the glass, stopping right by his lips.

The pairing was striking. Cassian raised his phone and captured the moment.

Then he posted it. The caption was suggestive.

“Sometimes, a familiar face is enough to fill the gap.”

3:32 am G P p p

GP pp.

Chante & The Chaheed Sweetheart

100