The Divorce That Brought Us Back novel Chapter 314

Nora thought for a moment.

"Why are you suddenly acting like this?" she asked softly. "Is it because of the flowers? Because you think I lied, so you're punishing me, purposely ignoring me, and finding ways to bully me?"

"But I didn't lie. Someone really sent flowers to my studio, and I have no idea who it was."

"I texted you because... I had other things going on and didn't process it right away. My first thought was that you sent them. I only accept flowers from you, is that so wrong? I wasn't overthinking it like you are."

Nora muttered on and on.

Maloney gently stroked her cheek. She had just been crying, the corners of her eyes still tinged with pink. Her voice was soft, yet laced with urgency.

People tended to talk a lot when they were making excuses.

"It's not about the flowers," Maloney said. "I've always wanted to do this."

Nora paused. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like."

She looked at him in confusion.

Something about him felt off.

It had completely derailed her own plans.

She had almost forgotten the advice Cassidy had given her at the hospital.

Seduce, demand, discard.

Right.

Now was the perfect time to seduce him.

Nora shifted, nestling closer into Maloney's embrace. "My lower back aches."

She intentionally brushed the top of her head against his jaw.

"Want me to massage it?"

"Mhm."

Maloney lifted her onto the bed.

Lying on her stomach against the pillows, Nora felt his fingertips press into the muscles along her spine, slowly working their way up.

She let out a soft sigh.

"Maloney, where did you go today?" Nora suddenly struck. "Your clothes smell like fruit."

"Fruit?"

"Yeah. Fresh grass, earth, cedar, and apple," she pressed. "Where did you pick up that scent?"

He fell silent for a moment before answering, "That's the scent of the diffuser in the walk-in closet."

Nora was speechless.

They shared the same closet.

He usually dressed formally, keeping his suits and shirts near the door. The diffuser, filled with a fragrance she loved, sat in the center of the room, usually only imparting a faint scent.

But the trench coat he wore today was a piece he rarely touched. He had pulled it from the very back of the wardrobe, where the fragrance was much stronger.

Maloney's hands reached the small of her back. Leaning close to her ear, he lowered his voice. "Are you doubting me, Nora?"

She let out a muffled gasp, instinctively trying to pull away. As he gripped her waist, preparing to drag her back into his arms, she abruptly rolled over, grabbing his arm. "Yes."

Her tone carried a hint of reckless defiance. "I am doubting you."

Maloney froze.

Immediately after, her bravado crumbled as she asked weakly, "Is that not allowed?"

His lips twitched as if he wanted to say something, but Nora suddenly asked, "Did you even open the gift I gave you yesterday?"

"There was something inside that tote bag."

"Did you look at it? If not, give it back."

He didn't answer whether he had looked or not. Instead, he said deeply, "A gift given is a gift kept. You can't take it back."

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