My CEO HUSBAND sign the divorce novel Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Visit

Alicia stepped inside and picked out a bottle of wine along with a few gifts for Mr. and Mrs. Firestone.

When she reached the counter to pay, the card machine suddenly stopped working. It wasn’t entirely surprising—the store was just a small section tucked into the mall.

"Can I pay through my bank app?" Alicia asked.

The cashier nodded.

She took out her phone and powered it on. The moment the startup animation faded, a flood of notifications appeared.

Voicemails. Work emails. Messages from Alexander.

Ignoring the sudden tightness in her chest, Alicia completed the payment through PayPal. Then, almost against her better judgment, she opened her call log.

Dozens of missed calls from Alexander.

Her fingers hesitated before she opened his messages.

Alicia, where are you? I’ll come pick you up.

I can explain the news.

I’m sorry.

A faint smile tugged at her lips.

Sorry. Always sorry.

It was always the same with him—he would hurt her, and somehow, she would end up being the one left holding onto those apologies, as if they could fix anything.

Another message followed, sent later:

Alicia, the interview at the hospital entrance was edited maliciously. I’ve already had it suppressed. Where are you? I’ll come pick you up. Call me when you see this.

Alicia opened Twitter and searched her name.

It didn’t take long.

The headlines were already spreading:

CEO Alexander Blackwood’s affair partner, Alicia Sinclair, responds to latest scandal.

Responds?

Her brows furrowed slightly. She hadn’t said a single word.

The media had twisted her silence into something else—into guilt, into fear.

The comments were worse.

Cruel. Sharp. Unforgiving.

"Just a random woman. What does he even see in her?"

"Lilian is so beautiful, and he still chose a mistress?"

"She’s not even close to Lilian’s level."

Alicia’s chest felt hollow as she read them, a quiet numbness settling deep inside her.

Without another glance, she locked her phone and slipped it back into her bag.

By the time she stepped out toward the garage, her expression had already returned to calm.

Aiden hadn’t expected her to take this long.

Worry creeping in, he stepped out of the car and headed inside—only to meet her halfway, arms full of shopping bags.

He immediately took some from her.

"What are all these for?" he asked, clearly confused.

"They’re gifts for Uncle and Aunt."

Aiden frowned slightly. "There was really no need for all this."

Alicia glanced at him. "What? I can’t show up empty-handed after so many years?"

"But still—"

"Aiden," she cut in gently, "it’s already done."

He let out a small sigh, giving in as usual, and opened the trunk.

Together, they placed the bags inside before closing it.

Alicia slid into the front passenger seat.

"Let’s go."

Aiden said nothing more as he got behind the wheel, the car soon pulling away toward the villa.

After parking, they both retrieved the gifts from the trunk and headed inside.

Aiden called toward the living room, "Mom, guess who’s here?"

"Who?"

Clarissa rose from the sofa and walked toward the entrance. The moment she saw Alicia behind him, her face lit up.

"Alicia! Come here, let me hug you!" she exclaimed, pulling her into a warm embrace. Then her eyes fell on the bags in their hands. "Why did you buy so many things?"

"Aunt, it’s been a while," Alicia said softly.

"Just the fact that you’re here makes me so happy," Clarissa replied, beaming. "Put those down—the staff will take care of it. Come, sit."

She gently led Alicia to the couch.

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