Too Late for Sorry, Mr. Billionaire (Chasing my Wife Back) novel Chapter 33

CHARLES stared at the phone vibrating on the kitchen counter, the name flashing insistently across the screen.

**Shantel.**

He exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand over his face before swiping to answer.

“What do you want, Shantel?”

Her breath rushed through the line, uneven, emotional.

“Charles… thank God. You finally picked.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” he said flatly.

“I—” she sniffed. “I just needed to hear your voice.”

He leaned against the counter, eyes lifting briefly to the framed engagement photo propped beside the coffee machine. He turned the phone slightly, as if the distance might help.

“You shouldn’t be calling me.”

“Please don’t say that,” Shantel rushed. “I have been trying for days. You blocked my other number.”

“For a reason.”

Her laugh came out shaky.

“You are still like this. Always serious.” Then her tone softened. “I miss you, Charles. I miss us.”

“There is no us,” he said calmly.

“Don’t do that,” she pleaded. “I have changed. I swear. I’m not that girl anymore.”

He closed his eyes briefly.

“You left.”

“I was stupid,” she said quickly. “Young. Influenced. Everyone told me I deserved more than a man who was always struggling.”

His jaw tightened.

“And you believed them.”

“I did,” she admitted. “But look at you now.” Her voice dropped, almost reverent. “You are now successful. Confident. You have made it.”

“That is why you are calling?” he asked quietly.

“No— yes—” she stumbled. “I mean, I always knew you would rise. I just didn’t think it would take this long.”

Silence stretched between them.

“I miss your kisses,” she continued hurriedly, filling the gap. “The way you used to hold me when I couldn’t sleep. Your eyes, Charles… God, your eyes. No one ever looked at me like that again.”

He straightened. “Stop.”

“Please,” she sobbed. “I won’t leave you again. Never. I promise. I will stay no matter what.”

“You already proved you won’t,” he said evenly. “You walked away when things were hard.”

“That was before,” she cried. “I was wrong. I see that now.”

“Now that it is convenient,” he replied.

“That’s not fair!”

“It’s honest.”

Her breathing grew heavier.

“Just meet me. Once. Let me show you I’m different.”

He glanced at his wristwatch, the subtle gleam of gold catching the light. His thumb brushed over it unconsciously.

“I’m engaged.”

Her gasp was sharp.

“Engaged?”

“Yes.”

“To who?”

“That is none of your business.”

“You are lying,” she said desperately. “You are just saying that to push me away.”

“I don’t need to lie,” he said. “I’m happy.”

A pause. Then, bitter laughter.

“So that is it? You just erase me?”

“You erased yourself,” he replied. “Years ago.”

“I loved you,” she whispered.

He softened, just a fraction.

“You loved what you thought I could become. And when it took time, you left.”

“So you won’t even consider—”

“No.”

Her sob broke free.

“Charles, please. Don’t do this.”

“I’m doing what you couldn’t,” he said firmly. “Moving on.”

He stepped away from the counter, lowering his voice.

“Don’t call me again. Don’t come near my life. Stay away.”

“You are choosing her over me,” Shantel cried.

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