Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 63

Arden was buried in account reports all the way until the end of her shift. What she didn’t expect was to run into Vivienne–right outside Vale Group’s building.

This time, though, she wasn’t the glamorous star Arden remembered. She looked worn out, with dark circles under her eyes and a tired expression on her face.

Arden didn’t rush for the elevator. It was already 5:40 when she came down.

She stretched lazily at the front steps, yawned, then heard someone call her name. “Arden.”

She turned. Vivienne pulled off her sunglasses as she walked up to her. Arden didn’t even try to hide her disinterest. She turned and started walking away.

Vivienne stepped in her path. “Please, talk to Dorian for me. Ask him to let me go.”

Arden actually laughed. Like she’d just heard the world’s dumbest joke. “You grew up with him. Childhood sweethearts, right? You’re the one who knows him so well. Why don’t you ask him? I’m not close with Dorian. What makes you think he’d listen to me?”

Vivienne said quickly. “But he listens to you. If he’s willing to show a little mercy, I won’t have to pay so much in breach–of–contract penalties.”

This woman’s out of her damn mind. “You’ve got the wrong person. I don’t know him, remember? He won’t listen to me. Now get out of the way.”

Arden tried to leave, but Vivienne grabbed her arm. “He will listen to you. Just say the word.”

Arden shook her off. “I don’t want to get involved in whatever drama you two have going on. Move, or I’m calling the cops.”

Right then, a familiar voice called out, “Arden!”

She looked up. Caleb was stepping out of his car and walking toward her. The second he saw who was blocking her path, his whole vibe shifted.

“Vivienne,” he said coldly. “Haven’t you messed with my sister enough? What are you trying to pull now? You okay, Arden? Did she do anything to you?”

“I’m fine. Let’s go. Not worth getting worked up over irrelevant people.”

Caleb shot Vivienne a sharp look. “You mess with her again, I swear you’ll regret it.”

Just then, a WhatsApp message popped up on Arden’s phone.

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Chapter 63 Ask Him to Let Me Go

Dorian asked, “I’ll wait for you at the office. Lucien will drive you back to the villa.”

Arden replied, “No need. I’m having dinner with Caleb.”

He paused. “Just the two of you?”

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She didn’t reply. Caleb opened the door for her, then got in on the other side. “Where are we going?” Arden asked.

Caleb smiled at his sweet little sister. “That rooftop restaurant at Tiancrest Tower.”

That place was famous for its atmosphere–but insanely hard to book. You not only needed reservations, but also a membership card.

Arden lit up. “Yes! I haven’t been there in forever. I’ve been craving their food.”

“Vincent’s joining us too.”

“Wait, Vincent? That’s perfect! I need to thank him anyway. He’s changed a lot over the years.”

“He’s been wanting to see you again.”

The car headed toward Tiancrest Tower. Meanwhile, Dorian had just finished meeting a client. Since texting Arden, his eyes hadn’t left his phone.

When she didn’t reply for a while, he called her.

It rang and rang, right until the last second before someone picked up. “Hello? Mr. Vale?”

The second he heard her call him that, Dorian’s expression darkened. “It’s after work. Say ‘babe.“”

Arden glanced at Caleb sitting beside her and stayed formal. “What do you need, Mr. Vale?”

His voice dropped dangerously. “Still calling me that?”

Arden knew exactly where it was headed. He would have blown up on her that night if she hadn’t played along.

She gave in. “…Babe.”

Caleb immediately turned to look at her. Awkward.

“So? What did you want?”

“What time’s dinner ending? I’ll come get you.”

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Chapter 63 Ask Him to Let Me Go

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The truth was, holding her in his arms the night before had felt too good. For the first time in a long while, he had slept through the night. If he didn’t pick her up, she might have ended up back at her parents‘ place. He couldn’t risk that.

“I’m not sure. I’ll text you when we’re done.”

After she hung up, Caleb was still staring at her. “That was Dorian?”

“Yeah, asking when dinner’s over so he can pick me up.”

“I heard you call him ‘babe.“”

“He made me,” Arden said, defeated.

Caleb raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected Dorian to ever apologize or bend. Then his gaze landed on a mark peeking from her collarbone.

A hickey. He looked away quickly.

Of course. Arden’s twenty–one, pale–skinned, soft, sweet, pretty. No way a guy like Dorian could keep his hands off her. And now that they’re married, it’s normal.

He told himself to stop overthinking. “He treating you okay?”

“Last night he was… decent.”

“That guy’s arrogant. Hard to control and cold. Loving someone doesn’t come easy for him.”

Arden knew.

She had nodded, her eyes drifting out the window.

She wanted his heart–she really did. But he had felt so far away, like a dream she couldn’t reach.

Caleb noticed her blush and quickly changed the subject. “How’s work going?”

“Not bad. Today the manager assigned someone to train me. She’s gorgeous and super cold.”

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