When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 113

**Silent Roads Remember by Sawyer**
**Chapter 113**

In the quiet confines of the room, Chiara found herself enveloped in Titus’s arms, a cocoon of warmth and safety. Not a single word passed between them; she simply nestled against him, allowing the silence to speak volumes.

Sometimes, silence carried the weight of unspoken truths.

At least, she mused, she wasn’t pushing him away anymore as she had done in the past, when her heart was a fortress of hurt and mistrust.

Titus gazed down at her, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that made her heart flutter. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to the crown of her head, his voice a gentle whisper, “I know I messed up before. Can you find it in your heart to give me another chance? Let’s wipe the slate clean, shall we?”

Chiara’s heart raced, a wild drumbeat against her ribcage, making it hard to draw a breath. The tumult of emotions swirled within her, rendering her speechless.

It was as if all those years of longing and waiting had finally culminated in this moment—this revelation that he felt the same way about her.

Yet, uncertainty gnawed at her. Should she really grant him another chance, just as he had asked?

No, it was more than just a chance; it was about the possibility of a new beginning for both of them.

Titus stood there, a picture of patience, waiting for her response. But when silence continued to reign, he let out a soft chuckle, breaking the tension that hung in the air.

Chiara’s brow furrowed, curiosity piqued. She didn’t pull away, but her voice held a hint of challenge. “What’s so funny?” she inquired, her tone laced with intrigue.

“I’m laughing because, Chiara, you’ve got this fierce temper and an undeniable stubborn streak. Honestly, it was a real wake-up call for me,” Titus admitted, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

Chiara didn’t shy away from the truth. “Yeah, this is who I really am—stubborn and a bit petty. All that sweetness and grace? That was just me putting on a show. Titus, I’m not gentle or generous, and I’m definitely not the kind of wife who will just keep quiet and stay out of everything. If you still want…”

“No, I like you just the way you are,” Titus interjected, his voice firm yet affectionate.

Chiara fell silent, the weight of his words settling between them like a fragile truce.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to respond right now. Take all the time you need. But how about we go get our wedding photos taken today?” Titus suggested, his tone hopeful.

The mention of wedding photos sent her spiraling into a memory lane filled with anticipation and disappointment. She recalled the countless times she had waited for him, her heart filled with hope. Lowering her gaze, she murmured, “Honestly, it doesn’t really matter…”

To her, photos were mere lifeless snapshots, devoid of the emotions that had once colored their relationship.

“I want to take them. Will you be there with me?” he asked softly, his eyes searching hers for a glimmer of affirmation.

Chiara remained silent, retreating once more into her thoughts.

Suddenly, memories from three years ago surged back, vivid and unyielding. The Lynch Group was on the brink of collapse, and the pressure from shareholders had been suffocating. They had pushed her and Heather to relinquish their shares, but then Titus had arrived, brandishing a contract that breathed life back into the company, saving the two sisters from looming financial ruin.

The relief on the shareholders’ faces had mirrored her own and Heather’s when Goodman Group agreed to step in. They all wanted to see the Lynch Group thrive, their investments intact.

Chiara’s mind flickered back to the moment when he had kicked down the door, arriving just when she needed him most, a knight in shining armor.

With a slow exhale, Chiara closed her eyes, reminding herself, one last time, that this was it.

‘For real this time. This is the last chance,’ she reassured herself, though deep down, a part of her clung to the past, unwilling to let go.

“Mr. Goodman, Mrs. Goodman, it’s time to get you both glammed up for the shoot…” a staff member called out, breaking the spell.

Titus gently released her, his fingers brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “Go ahead, I’ll change and wait for you outside,” he said, his voice a soothing balm.

Chiara glanced up at him, and the staff member nearby bowed slightly, gesturing for her to follow.

“Mrs. Goodman, the makeup room is this way,” the staff member instructed.

As she walked alongside them, Chiara felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

“Mrs. Goodman, what kind of makeup look do you prefer?” the makeup artist asked, her tone professional yet friendly.

Chiara studied the artist for a moment, then frowned at the extravagant look she suggested. It was beautiful, yes, but far too ostentatious for her taste.

“No need to go that far. Just something light and clean will do,” Chiara replied, her voice steady.

The makeup artist nodded in understanding. “Of course, Mrs. Goodman. You’re stunning as you are, so a natural look will complement you perfectly.”

“Alright, thanks. I appreciate it,” Chiara said, feeling a warmth spread through her.

As the artist worked on her makeup and hair, Chiara’s phone buzzed, breaking the momentary peace. It was Queenie.

Chiara fell silent, her thoughts racing. Then, a question bubbled to the surface. “Why was she always targeting me? Was it just because she suspected something between me and Titus?”

Queenie hesitated, not wanting to divulge the truth about Elaine. After all, Paul had just rushed off to take Elaine to the airport, swearing she’d never return.

A little white lie seemed kinder. No need to burden Chiara with unnecessary worries. Elaine was out of the picture, and it was best for Chiara to move on and embrace her life with Titus.

“You seriously don’t know how wild a woman’s jealousy can get?” Queenie said, her tone incredulous.

“How bad can it really be?” Chiara replied, recalling her own moments of jealousy directed at Elaine.

But she had never wished anything truly malicious upon anyone.

‘If a guy doesn’t love you, it’s not because of someone else. Maybe you just weren’t the one he wanted,’ she reminded herself, a mantra she had clung to.

“Honestly, I think she just assumed you and Mr. Goodman were a thing. You should’ve seen her face yesterday when she realized you’re actually his wife. It totally cracked me up. She was just a joke, really. You won’t ever have to see her again, so just forget about it,” Queenie said, her laughter infectious.

Chiara responded lightly, “Yeah, I’ll hang up now. Go get busy.”

“Alright, I’ll let you go. Got a ton of work today. Looks like I might have to work overtime…” Queenie said, her voice trailing off.

“Hang in there. I’ll treat you to something good tomorrow,” Chiara promised, her heart swelling with gratitude for her friend.

“Deal, bye,” Queenie laughed, her voice bright.

“See you tomorrow,” Chiara replied, feeling a sense of warmth wash over her.

About twenty minutes later, the makeup artist stepped back, a satisfied smile on her face. “Mrs. Goodman, you’re all set. Time to get into your wedding dress.”

With that, the staff wheeled in the wedding dress, and Chiara’s breath caught in her throat. She stared at the exquisite garment, awe-struck.

“Is this one of your store’s dresses?” Chiara asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No, Mrs. Goodman, there’s no way we’d have something like this in our shop. This dress is custom-made by a top designer, all handmade, and incredibly expensive. Mr. Goodman had it sent over just a couple of days ago,” the staff member explained, her eyes shining with admiration for the gown.

Chiara’s heart swelled with a mixture of emotions—excitement, fear, and a flicker of hope. This was a new chapter, and she was ready to embrace it, one step at a time.