Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 66

Julian made Vivian lie back comfortably, gently elevating her knee to carefully apply ointment to her skin, terrified that a rough movement might cause her pain.

Once the medication was applied, he secured a fresh gauze pad with medical tape.

He had just learned the proper technique that morning by watching Elara bandage Melody's scrape.

Between the deep cut and the horrifying, swollen purple bruise, Vivian's knee injury was far worse than Melody's.

After finishing the dressing, Julian stood up to pour them two glasses of water. Catching sight of his phone on the table, something finally clicked in his brain, and he snatched the device up in a panic.

Sure enough, there were several messages from Elara.

They were all voice notes, the most recent one sent over ten minutes ago. He didn't even need to play it to know it was Melody begging him to come home.

Julian instinctively checked the clock. It was almost nine-thirty. He was never going to make it.

He hesitated for a fleeting second before closing the app and setting the phone face down.

Returning to the couch, Julian handed a glass of water to Vivian, took a seat beside her, and swallowed a couple of mouthfuls before zoning out entirely in deep thought.

Vivian noticed his distraction. Forcing down her reluctance to let him go, she took the initiative to ask, "Are you thinking about Melody?"

Julian's head snapped toward her, his expression a dead giveaway of 'How did you know?'

Vivian's eyes flickered slightly, her smile tightening before she forced it back into place. "Didn't you tell me you wanted to spend some quality time with her before her birthday?"

"You came straight over to my place after work. The poor kid must be anxious waiting for you."

Julian cradled the glass in his hands, his mind flooded with the memory of the car ride over—Melody eagerly asking what time he was coming back, her sweet voice demanding he take care of his health.

That soft, milky voice overflowing with pure joy. Just like every other time she waited for him, she had been so incredibly happy.

No, this time she had been even happier than usual.

And the greater the expectation, the more devastating the disappointment. He had promised Melody he'd be home by nine-thirty. The deadline was practically here, and not only was he absent, he hadn't even bothered to reply to her voice notes...

"I'm so sorry."

Julian cupped her face, pressing kiss after frantic kiss to her lips before resting his forehead against hers, consumed by guilt. "Just endure it for a few more days. Once Melody's birthday is over, I promise I'll be with you every single day."

"Okay. I'll wait for you."

No hesitation. Unconditional trust. Total devotion.

She waited for him after he finished playing the doting father, just as she waited patiently for him to navigate his slow divorce.

Vivian had never once pressured him for anything.

Whatever choice Julian made, she supported him unconditionally, quietly waiting in the wings for him to turn around, notice her unwavering loyalty, and walk into her arms.

But human patience had its limits. You couldn't force someone to wait forever.