When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Eunice’s eyes gleamed with playful curiosity as she leaned forward. “So, Chiara, how’s married life with Titus treating you?” she asked, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “I bet it’s wonderful.”

Chiara handed her a steaming cup of coffee, a faint smile on her face. “And where exactly did you get that idea from?” she replied lightly.

Eunice took a slow sip, her mischievous gaze never wavering. “After all those years you spent longing for Titus, now that you’re finally married, you must be over the moon,” she said knowingly.

“And don’t even think about denying it,” Eunice added, her eyes narrowing with a playful yet pointed look. “If things weren’t going well, how do you explain those hickeys on the back of your neck?”

Chiara’s heart skipped a beat. “Wait, what? Hickeys?” she asked, suddenly tense.

Eunice nodded, her grin widening. “Right there on the nape of your neck—a whole cluster of them.”

Chiara’s hand instinctively flew to her neck, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She hadn’t even realized the marks were there, and the thought of Jeffrey noticing them during their earlier conversation made her stomach twist.

“Okay, spill everything about you and Titus now,” Eunice urged, leaning in closer with genuine excitement. “Did you really manage to win over the most elusive bachelor in town?”

Those marks were unmistakably fresh, a passionate testament to something intense between them.

Chiara averted her eyes, unable to hold Eunice’s eager stare. She had never revealed the full story of her relationship with Titus to anyone—not even Eunice. It was easier that way, especially since her friend lived so far away.

When Chiara finally opened up, Eunice choked on her coffee, eyes widening in disbelief. “You want a divorce from Titus?” she blurted out, shock evident in her voice.

Chiara quickly handed her a napkin, her tone gentle. “Take a breath,” she said softly.

Eunice dabbed at her mouth, still bewildered. “But why would you want to leave him?”

“It’s complicated,” Chiara sighed, her voice heavy with unspoken pain. “Let’s talk in the car.”

As they drove home, Chiara unraveled the tangled story, and Eunice’s expression darkened with every detail. Pulling out her phone, she brought up a photo. “Is this the woman?” she asked, showing Chiara the screen.

Chiara glanced at the image and nodded quietly.

Eunice studied the picture for a long moment before scoffing. “She’s not even that pretty,” she muttered. “You’re clearly the beautiful one. What could Titus possibly be thinking?”

Chiara remained silent. Love was never something that could be explained easily.

Setting her phone down, Eunice turned to Chiara. “So, you want a divorce, but Titus refuses?”

“Yeah,” Chiara confirmed.

Eunice let out a bitter laugh. “What’s his game? Pretending everything’s fine while seeing other women behind your back?”

Chiara had only shared the bare facts, carefully leaving out the messy, painful details.

“So, what’s your plan?” Eunice pressed.

“He’s threatening to destroy my family’s company,” Chiara said quietly.

Eunice stared at her, stunned. “What a complete jerk.”

After parking, Chiara turned to Eunice with determination. “I need to find a way out of this marriage without wrecking the company. If I have to, I’ll walk away with nothing.”

Eunice’s brow furrowed deeply. “Why should you walk away empty-handed? He’s the one who betrayed you. Don’t worry, babe. Let me think this through. First, let’s get inside.”

“Okay,” Chiara agreed.

The Murphys had known Chiara since she was a little girl. When her family faced hard times, they were the first to offer help and had stood by the Lynch Group ever since.

Since Chiara and Eunice had been inseparable since childhood, the Murphys warmly invited her to stay for dinner.

After the meal, Eunice pulled Chiara aside upstairs for privacy. “You have a prenup, right? All we need is proof that he’s seeing Elaine,” she suggested quietly.

Chiara gave her a meaningful look. “Eunice, we’re talking about Titus Goodman, CEO of the Goodman Group.”

Eunice fell silent as the weight of that reality settled in. Publishing anything about Titus’s private life would require a courage few possessed.

“Then we hire a private investigator,” Eunice proposed firmly.

“A private investigator?” Chiara repeated, surprised by the idea.

Chiara took a steadying breath. “Titus, I don’t keep tabs on your whereabouts. I’d appreciate the same respect.”

There was a pause before he spoke quietly, “Mrs. Goodman.” His voice was a reminder of her role as his wife — to not stay out all night.

Eunice snatched the phone from Chiara’s hand. “Just so you know, Mr. Goodman, Chiara is all mine for the next three days. If you’re lonely, you should visit your girlfriend. Please don’t bother us during our time together. Goodbye.” She then hung up and switched off the phone.

“Wait…” Chiara started.

“Don’t spoil men,” Eunice said firmly. “I doubt he’d actually show up here.”

No sooner had she finished than bright headlights sliced through the darkness, flooding the room with intrusive light.

Chiara and Eunice exchanged a glance before rushing to the window.

Titus’s car was parked just outside the gate, its headlights glaring into the night.

Eunice blinked. “Is he crazy?”

Chiara thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Maybe.” There was no denying that Titus’s behavior had become increasingly erratic.

“Maybe I should…” Chiara began hesitantly.

“You’re staying,” Eunice interrupted firmly. “We planned this sleepover. He’s not climbing any walls.”

Chiara had to laugh at the absurd mental image of Titus trying to scale a wall.

Eunice snorted and drew the curtains closed, shutting out the harsh light. “Let’s just ignore him,” she said.

Downstairs, Paul glanced in the rearview mirror. “Mr. Goodman, it’s been two years since Mrs. Goodman last saw her friend. Maybe we could let her stay the night?”

Titus shot him a cold look. “You’re suggesting I let her stay out?”

“But Ms. Murphy is her best friend,” Paul said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

It hardly seemed fair to call it “staying out.” The Murphy home was like a second family to Chiara — a place she had been welcomed since childhood.