When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Chiara had long since stopped expecting Titus to return at night, just like all the other times he hadn’t. Glancing at the clock beside her bed, she noted it was well past her usual bedtime. She was about to set her phone aside when the screen suddenly lit up, drawing her attention. A soft smile spread across her lips as she read the incoming message.

It was from Eunice Murphy, her childhood friend, who was letting her know she’d be flying back home tomorrow. Eunice had moved overseas for graduate school a couple of years after Chiara’s wedding, and hearing from her now filled Chiara’s heart with warmth.

Without hesitation, Chiara tapped the voice call button, eager to hear Eunice’s voice again.

“Still up at this hour, babe? Don’t tell me you’re missing me so much you can’t sleep,” Eunice’s bright, teasing tone greeted her.

Chiara laughed softly, comforted by the familiar banter. “You know I think about you all the time, day and night.”

“That’s so sweet,” Eunice replied with genuine affection. “Consider it a date then. I’m coming back tomorrow, and I plan to have you all to myself for at least three days.”

Chiara’s heart lifted at the thought. “I’ll pick you up from the airport,” she promised.

“Can’t wait, babe. But you should try to get some rest tonight. It’s late, and I still have a mountain of packing to do,” Eunice reminded her gently.

“Alright, see you soon,” Chiara said, her smile lingering.

“Bye, love you,” Eunice laughed before the call ended.

Setting her phone down, Chiara felt a quiet happiness settle over her as she prepared for bed. Just as sleep was beginning to claim her, the distant sound of a car pulling up outside stirred her. Frowning, she turned over, hoping it was just a fleeting dream.

But then, the soft creak of her bedroom door opening jolted her fully awake. Sitting upright, she stared toward the doorway, where moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a pale glow on a figure standing there.

It wasn’t her imagination. Titus had come home—late into the night, as usual.

As he closed the door behind him, Chiara switched on the bedside lamp, the warm light revealing his tired but determined expression. “This isn’t your room,” she said gently, trying to keep her voice steady.

He chuckled quietly, loosening his tie and letting it drop to the floor, his jacket following soon after. He moved closer to the bed with a slow, purposeful gait.

Chiara’s heart pounded, tension tightening in her chest. “I need to sleep,” she insisted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Please, go to the room next door.”

“My wife is here,” he said softly, his voice low and steady. “Where else would I go?”

As he neared, she caught the faint scent of wine on his breath and frowned. The soft light made her skin look luminous, almost like delicate crystal, and Titus’s gaze lingered on her with an intensity that made her uneasy.

“I really should get some rest,” she repeated, trying to keep her composure. “Could you please leave?”

He held her until she’d taken several sips, then carefully laid her back down, his eyes lingering on her peaceful face.

That night, Chiara dreamed she was lost in a dark, shadowy forest. Suddenly, a bear appeared and attacked, tearing her apart limb by limb. She woke with a start, gasping for breath, her hands flying over her body to confirm she was still whole.

Relief washed over her when she realized it had only been a nightmare. Still, her body ached as if the pain from the dream had left a real mark.

Memories of the previous night surged back, leaving her cheeks flushed with embarrassment before a numbness settled over her.

Collapsing back onto the bed, she covered her face with her hands. “Titus, you absolute jerk,” she whispered, a mix of frustration and exhaustion in her voice.

Taking a deep breath, she checked her phone again, the reminder that Eunice was arriving today jolting her out of bed.

The moment her feet touched the floor, a sharp ache shot through her muscles. She closed her eyes briefly, gathering her strength, then pushed through the discomfort and made her way to the bathroom.

Chiara quickly freshened up, splashing cool water on her face before dressing and heading downstairs.

It was nearly noon by the time she reached the kitchen. Titus had already left, just as she’d expected.

Lindsay greeted her with a bright smile. “Good morning. Mr. Goodman had the kitchen prepare some nourishing soup for you. He said you must still be tired from yesterday.”