When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Both Titus and Elaine were taken aback, their expressions betraying a flicker of shock. Elaine’s eyes widened slightly, her breath catching for a moment, while Titus’s jaw tightened, a vein pulsing visibly on his forehead. Yet, despite the tension, his gaze remained as icy and detached as ever.

Chiara, however, paid no attention to their reactions. Her entire focus was locked on the swinging doors of the emergency room ahead. The sterile hospital corridor felt colder than usual, the fluorescent lights casting sharp shadows on the walls.

Just as Titus was about to move forward, the ER doors suddenly swung open. A doctor stepped out, his face registering surprise at the sight of the trio waiting anxiously in the hallway. After a brief hesitation, he addressed them formally, “Mr. and Mrs. Goodman.”

Elaine’s lips pressed into a thin line at the mention of “Mrs. Goodman,” her eyes flickering briefly with unease.

Without hesitation, Chiara darted forward and gripped the doctor’s hand, desperation bleeding into her voice. “How is my grandpa? Please tell me.”

The doctor exhaled deeply, his expression heavy with the weight of his words. “Mr. Lynch is quite advanced in age. Although the surgery itself was successful, he needs complete rest—no stress, no excitement. He’s stable for now, but I can’t say when he’ll wake up. It could be tomorrow… or it might never happen.”

The word “never” struck Chiara like a freezing wave crashing over her. Her mind reeled, heart sinking into a cold abyss.

Titus’s eyes narrowed, hardening further as he glanced at Chiara. She swayed on her feet, then suddenly collapsed to the floor.

“Mrs. Goodman!” the doctor called out sharply, alarm flashing in his eyes.

Titus’s face darkened instantly as he rushed to her side. Gently, he lifted her into his arms, his hand brushing her icy cheek tenderly, though his expression remained grim and serious.

“What are you waiting for? Move!” he barked, urgency lacing his voice as he carried her away.

Elaine watched the scene unfold, her face clouded with a mixture of concern and frustration. “Titus…” she began softly.

He shot her a cold sideways glance and said curtly, “Take care of everything else with Paul.”

Elaine opened her mouth to protest further, but Titus was already gone with Chiara cradled in his arms. She clenched her fists tightly, a storm of confusion and anger twisting inside her.

*Isn’t Chiara just his side piece? Why does he even care about her?* The question gnawed at her, her emotions tangled between jealousy and bewilderment.

*****

That night, Chiara was haunted by a nightmare. She was trapped again in the memory of the horrific car crash—her parents lying motionless in a pool of blood, their faces pale and lifeless. Her screams echoed through the darkness, but no one came to help.

Her parents, once pillars of strength and power, had perished together in that tragic accident. Marcus, her brother, had slipped into a coma from which no one knew if he would ever awaken.

The Lynch family, once unshakeable, was now crumbling at an alarming pace. Predatory rivals from other influential families circled like vultures, ready to tear apart the Lynch Group and devour everything her family had built.

The company was more than just a business—it was her parents’ legacy, their life’s work. Chiara couldn’t bear to watch it disintegrate.

With no other options left, she had turned to Titus. If survival meant marriage, then she would choose the man she had always desired, even if it was a transaction from the start.

Their marriage had been a cold bargain: Titus wed her—the disgraced heiress—to satisfy his family’s expectations, while Chiara married him to protect her family’s name, becoming the model wife in the process.

For three years, she had played her part perfectly, doing everything “right.” But happiness had eluded her completely.

She had once hoped that by marrying Titus, he might care for her even a little.

But on their wedding night, he had made it brutally clear: he didn’t love her, and she meant nothing to him.

She had spent that night alone, while he flew off to be with someone else.

Since then, she had locked away her feelings deep inside, hiding them where no one could find them.

Yet hearts are not made of stone. She still loved him, and that love only deepened the ache inside her.

*****

Chiara blinked against the harsh hospital lights, struggling to push herself upright. But before she could rise, Titus’s firm hands pressed her back down onto the bed by her shoulders.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded sharply.

She remained silent, attempting to push him away, but his grip was unyielding.

“Stay still. Don’t move,” he ordered.

“No,” she had whispered.

“Ms. Lynch, I have no shortage of women. Even if I wanted a trophy wife, why would I choose you?” he had sneered.

Still, despite his scorn, she had mustered the courage to step closer, trembling as she approached him.

Suddenly, Titus had tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his icy gaze.

“Divorce? Are you serious?” His voice was low and dangerous.

Chiara tried to look away, but his grip on her chin was firm. “Yes,” she said, voice shaky but resolute.

His eyes darkened. “Say that again.”

“I want a divorce,” she repeated.

Titus leaned in, a dangerous glint shining in his eyes. His intention was unmistakable, and Chiara instinctively recoiled.

“No, Titus. I don’t want this. Please, don’t touch me.”

“Behave, Mrs. Goodman,” he said coldly. “If you make me happy, maybe I’ll let this slide.”

The words “Mrs. Goodman” coming from his lips sounded cruel and cutting to Chiara.

She fought with all her strength, but he was too strong. Finally, she broke down, tears streaming as she screamed, “No! I’m not Mrs. Goodman! I’m nothing but a plaything to you—just stop!”

Titus froze, his face darkening. He forced her to look at him, her tear-streaked face striking something deep inside him.

“Congratulations on finally realizing it,” he sneered.

Then, with a cold, ambiguous laugh, he reached out and patted her tear-streaked cheek. “Since you think you’re just a plaything…”