Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 273

Standing by the massive windows, Dante looked as if he had aged years in a single moment.

He turned slightly to address Silas. "Mr. Vance, thank you for your hard work. You can clock out for the night."

"Mr. Hayes, are you... going to be alright?"

Silas looked at him with clear concern. He knew that discovering this earth-shattering truth must be tearing Dante apart from the inside.

"I'm fine," Dante replied, his voice terrifyingly hoarse. "Go home and get some rest."

Silas stared at his boss's desolate silhouette but ultimately didn't push it.

With a heavy sigh, he turned, exited the office, and gently clicked the door shut behind him.

The sprawling office instantly fell into a dead silence.

Dante leaned against the window frame. In his chaotic state of mind, his trembling hand reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

Something he hadn't touched in years was now his only mental anchor.

The lighter clicked sharply, the small burst of flame illuminating his sharp, angular jawline.

It also highlighted the thick, unshakable shadow of grief etched onto his face.

The harsh bite of nicotine slammed into his lungs, sending a sharp stab of pain through his chest.

He coughed uncontrollably.

He coughed until tears pricked his eyes.

He didn't even like smoking.

Quinn hated the smell, and it was bad for Leo to be around it, so he had quit for years without a second thought.

He was a man defined by extreme self-restraint. But ever since Quinn moved out of Belvedere Gardens, leaving him utterly alone in that massive, empty mansion...

The agonizing emptiness of the nights had driven him to pick up the habit again.

He wasn't smoking for the nicotine. He was smoking to burn away the misery.

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