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?”

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