When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Titus set his glass down with a sharp, decisive thud, his face clouding over with a sudden darkness. The lively ambiance of the room seemed to dim slightly in response to his mood.

Jeffrey noticed immediately and raised an eyebrow. “What’s with that look? Not exactly thrilled, huh?”

Titus shot him a frosty glare. “Why on earth would I be?” he replied curtly, his tone edged with coldness.

Elaine approached quietly, and Jeffrey beckoned her over with a welcoming wave, motioning to the empty seat he’d just cleared. “Come on, have a seat here, Elaine.”

She smiled warmly and slid into the spot right beside Titus, settling comfortably. Around them, some of the young women accompanying the wealthy bachelors couldn’t help but whisper excitedly.

“Mr. Goodman and Ms. Jensen make such a perfect pair,” one of them murmured, eyes sparkling with admiration.

“Absolutely,” another agreed eagerly. “They look stunning together—like they were made for each other.”

Elaine’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliments, though she masked her pleasure with a shy, playful smile. “Oh, stop it. You’re teasing me,” she said softly.

“We’re serious! We’re all huge fans,” the first girl insisted, pulling out her phone. “Your opening dance at that big event was incredible—I even recorded it. Here, watch!” She held the screen up for Elaine to see.

No one quite knew where the girl had found the video, but the unexpected gesture lifted Elaine’s spirits considerably.

“Thank you so much for your support,” Elaine said sincerely. “I promise to keep giving it my all.”

Wilbert’s gaze swept over the group, his expression hardening instantly. “Know your place,” he said sharply.

The chatter died down immediately, the girls exchanging nervous glances as they fell into a sudden, uneasy silence.

Jeffrey chuckled softly, amused by Wilbert’s sternness. “You’re making them all uncomfortable,” he teased.

Wilbert rolled his eyes in clear irritation. “Would whoever invited these guests please escort them out?” he demanded.

Several of the young men quickly rose to their feet and began guiding their companions toward the exit.

Elaine sighed wearily and turned to Wilbert. “What’s gotten under your skin this time?” she asked, her voice tinged with fatigue.

Wilbert met her gaze with a cool, detached stare. “Do you ever stop to consider how others perceive you?” he said bluntly.

Elaine’s smile faltered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. No matter how hard she tried or what she did, Wilbert’s judgment never seemed to soften.

“Why do you have to be so hostile all the time?” she challenged, eyes flicking toward Titus. “I’ve never given you a reason to treat me like this. What have I done to deserve it?”

Everyone in their circle knew about Elaine’s relationship with Titus, though out of respect for him, no one dared gossip openly. They always treated her with a polite distance.

Wilbert, however, showed no such restraint. “You’re a single woman constantly chasing after a married man,” he said coldly. “What else did you expect from me?”

Elaine’s face drained of color, anger flashing in her eyes. “You…” she began, but words failed her. Instead, she turned to Titus, her eyes pleading. “Aren’t you going to say something?”

Titus remained impassive, checking his watch with a casual glance before standing. “I should be going,” he announced abruptly.

His sudden departure stunned everyone, especially Elaine. They had barely exchanged a handful of words. Acting on impulse, she rose and caught his arm gently.

“I just got here. Can’t you stay a little longer?” she implored softly.

Titus looked down at her, then carefully withdrew his arm as he straightened his collar. “Take it easy on the drinks while your leg’s still healing,” he murmured with unexpected concern.

Elaine paused, her expression softening momentarily at his subtle kindness.

But Titus’s demeanor shifted quickly as he turned to Jeffrey. “You invited her, so make sure she gets home safely,” he said flatly before walking away.

He had been there no more than fifteen minutes.

Elaine stood frozen, shooting a sharp look at Jeffrey. She had never wanted him to be the one to take her home.

“Titus…” she started to follow, but Wilbert’s voice cut through the air, halting her.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” he snapped, his tone harsh.

Elaine glared back defiantly. “None of your business.”

He nodded, eyes gleaming with appreciation. “From a man’s perspective, she’s beyond beautiful.”

A wave of irritation washed over Elaine, and she clenched her hands tighter. As the car came to a stop outside her building, she turned toward him, her voice lowering. “Want to come up?”

Jeffrey looked at her, taking in her deliberate poise and the clear invitation in her eyes.

A slow, amused smile played on his lips as he turned off the engine.

Elaine arched an eyebrow and opened the car door, silently daring him to follow.

Later, as they lay together in the quiet warmth of her room, Elaine’s fingers traced lazy patterns across Jeffrey’s chest. “Do me a favor,” she said suddenly.

Jeffrey lit a cigarette, glancing down at her with a teasing smirk. “What’s that?”

Annoyed by his casual tone, Elaine sat up. “I want you to seduce Chiara,” she said, her hand still wandering over his stomach.

Jeffrey’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Seduce Chiara?”

Elaine looked into his handsome face—the same charming eyes that had captivated so many women, and that had drawn her to him from the very beginning.

But deep down, she knew exactly what she wanted—and it wasn’t something Jeffrey could ever offer.

She brushed her lips softly against his cheek. “Help me with this,” she whispered.

Jeffrey lifted her chin gently, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “You give me too much credit.”

Elaine chuckled, leaning against his shoulder as she took a drag from his cigarette. “Just use your charm on her like you did with me. I know you can do it.”

Without a word, Jeffrey stubbed out the cigarette where her lips had touched and slid off the bed.

Elaine watched him dress silently. When he turned back to her, she asked quietly, “Jeff, you wouldn’t refuse me, would you?”

He finished buttoning his shirt, looking down at her with a warm smile. “I could never say no to you.”