When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Titus gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from Chiara’s face, his tone steady but laced with a sharp undercurrent. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. This project isn’t just any deal—it’s the future of the entire company. Are you really prepared to keep opposing me?”

Chiara’s gaze snapped up to meet his, eyes flashing with disbelief. “You’re threatening me with my family’s business?” she asked, voice trembling with a mix of shock and anger.

Titus didn’t deny it. Instead, a faint, almost cruel smile played at the corners of his lips as he held her stare. “Think of it as a friendly warning,” he said softly.

Her fingers curled into tight fists at her sides. “And what if I refuse to back down?” she challenged, barely able to mask the fury simmering beneath her calm exterior.

A quiet sigh escaped Titus as his eyes lowered briefly before locking onto hers again. “Let’s not go down that road. I’d rather not have to use ruthless business tactics with you. So please, don’t push me.”

“Me? I’m the one testing your limits?” Chiara’s breath hitched sharply, bitterness creeping into her voice. “After all these years, who do you think has been wearing down whose patience?”

Titus studied her face for a long moment, the tension between them thick enough to cut. “If she bothers you that much,” he finally said, “then maybe we both need to make some compromises.”

Chiara’s expression hardened as she recalled the events from the previous day—the way Elaine’s helplessness had softened Titus, how he’d pressured Chiara to settle things for Elaine’s sake. It stung.

“Can you promise me you’ll stop seeing her?” Her voice was tight, almost pleading.

Titus frowned, the shadow of regret crossing his face. “I can’t make that promise.”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “Then there’s nothing left to discuss.”

Titus watched her scornful look, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. He had tried to meet her halfway, but her constant rejection was slowly eroding his patience.

Still, his annoyance faded when he remembered the photo-covered wall in their home. “Why does she upset you so much?” he asked quietly.

Chiara stiffened, turning her face away as if the question hurt more than she wanted to admit.

He knew she harbored deep feelings about him, yet it surprised him that she had never voiced them—not before their marriage, nor after.

“Please, tell me why,” he urged gently.

Chiara retreated behind her carefully constructed defenses, holding tightly to her pride. Those years of secret yearning would remain locked away, buried deep inside.

“I know our marriage is just a convenience,” she began, her voice low but steady. “You can spend your time and money on Elaine—I don’t care.”

“But I have people who care about me too. Did you ever stop to think about how I felt when you were plastered all over the tabloids with her? Checking in and out of the same hotel, day after day. What am I supposed to be to you, Titus?”

“You’re my wife,” he replied simply.

She let out a hollow laugh, the sound bitter and empty. “Your wife. Of course.”

To him, she was nothing more than a title—a contract signed, not a partner loved.

“But I’m done playing the part of your wife. Why force something that’s clearly over?”

“I’m not ready to let you go,” he murmured, stepping closer, the heat in his voice unmistakable. “Even a few days without you feels like an eternity.”

Chiara met his approach with a cold, unwavering stare. “Save your sweet words for someone who actually believes them.”

Titus chuckled softly, a quiet sound as he took in her furious glare. “I know Elaine gets to you. But as for her…” He hesitated, then added, “It’s not what you think between us.”

Chiara let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Then prove it. Cut her out of your life. Do that, and I’ll be the perfect wife you want. Can you actually do that?”

His expression tightened, realizing she meant every word. “I have commitments to her.”

Fresh anger surged through Chiara, and she pushed him back forcefully. “Then go honor those commitments. I’ve told you I’ll step aside. So why keep dragging me into this? If she means that much to you, marry her.”

Titus’s frustration grew in equal measure, feeling they were wasting precious time on a battle neither wanted to truly fight.

“Let me remind you, Chiara—our arrangement is set for five years,” he warned, voice low and serious. “Break your side of the deal, and the funding for Lynch Group stops.”

“Chiara?” Heather answered quickly.

“Heather, is the company going after a major contract?” Chiara asked directly.

Heather’s silence said more than words. “How important is it?” Chiara pressed.

“Nothing is more important than you,” Heather reassured her softly.

“I understand,” Chiara replied quietly.

“Don’t feel pressured to do anything just for the company’s sake,” Heather began.

“I know,” Chiara said. “But you’re right—I need to be patient and strategic about this divorce.”

She ended the call and leaned back, covering her eyes with a weary hand.

Two years was too long to wait. She would find the evidence she needed much sooner.

And that stunt at the hospital proved Elaine wanted this marriage over even more than she did.

*****

Across town, in a dimly lit hotel room, Theresa spoke into her phone, voice low but urgent. “Elaine, I just saw Titus with his wife at the hospital. They looked way too close for a couple in a business arrangement.”

“What do you mean?” Elaine’s voice tightened, suspicion creeping in.

“I got it all on video. Sending it to you now,” Theresa said.

Elaine’s face drained of color as the footage played, showing Titus and Chiara locked in a close embrace.

But it was their kiss that made her blood run cold with jealousy.