The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 31

Suzie paused before continuing. “So a man was kind enough to help me pick up my things and steady me when my blood sugar was low, and you twist that into me picking up men? Do you think everyone is as heartless as you, that they’d just walk away and watch me struggle?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Suzie regretted them. What was she even saying? It sounded exactly like she was complaining. Did she even have the right to complain to him anymore?

Realizing her mistake, she quickly added, “We haven’t filed the final paperwork yet, but we signed the agreement. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over. Who I choose to flirt with is my own business. What does it have to do with you?”

At that, Jamie abruptly let her go, his voice turning icy. “Go ahead. Push me and find out.”

His threatening tone was, oddly, a relief to Suzie. At least he wouldn't misinterpret her earlier words as a complaint.

Jamie said nothing more, leaning back against the seat and closing his eyes as if to rest. About half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a lavish hotel.

Jamie unfolded his long legs and got out of the car, then leaned his head back in. “Get out.”

Suzie hesitated for a moment before exiting from the other side. It was only then that she remembered Chloe had been in the car earlier. He had come back so quickly—where had Chloe gone?

It was lunchtime. Was the woman waiting for him in this hotel? Were they meeting for lunch? Or to get a room? Why had Jamie returned for her? Did he have something to say?

With that thought, Suzie asked him directly, “Why did you come back? If it’s nothing important, I’ll be leaving.”

As she spoke, Jamie walked around the car to her side, his gaze cool. “Let’s go inside. We can talk while we eat.”

After speaking, Suzie slung her bag over her shoulder. Just as she turned to leave, Jamie grabbed her wrist. “Suzie, don’t test my patience. Even if we’re getting divorced, there are things that need to be cleared up.”

She tried to pull her hand away several times, but he only tightened his grip. She met his gaze. “Cleared up? Weren’t the twenty-odd clauses in your agreement clear enough?”

Although she had been devastated to learn that Aaron was delivering agreement to her at the hospital, she had read every single line printed in black and white. Non-interference after the divorce, a gag order on their past relationship—it went on and on—rules that boxed her in and let him walk away clean.

Why? Wasn’t she the one who had lost the most in this marriage? Why was she the only one being bound by all these rules?

“Are you coming inside,” Jamie said, completely ignoring her outburst as he gestured like he was about to scoop her up, “or do I have to carry you?”