When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 96

**Chapter 96**

Chiara found herself spending a mere night in the sterile confines of the hospital before being given the green light to return home. Once back, she decided to take three days off, a much-needed respite to recuperate in the comfort of her own space.

When Queenie laid eyes on Chiara, her reaction was immediate and warm. She enveloped Chiara in a tight embrace, her voice filled with concern. “How did you lose so much weight in just a few days? You look so fragile!”

Chiara instinctively touched her cheek, a small smile gracing her lips. “I’m fine, really.”

Queenie, ever the curious friend, linked arms with her and leaned in conspiratorially. “You know, I’ve noticed Mr. Goodman has been coming in late and leaving early. Is he staying home to take care of you?”

Chiara chose silence, feeling a mix of emotions churn within her. The past three days had seen her cocooned in her bed, her cramps rendering her lethargic and unwilling to rise early. Breakfast had become a late affair, often postponed until she could no longer ignore her hunger.

She would only venture downstairs when the call of food became too strong to resist. If she lingered too long, Titus would take it upon himself to bring her breakfast, a gesture that both warmed her heart and made her feel a tad guilty.

While it was advised that she avoid any strenuous activity during her period, Chiara understood that a little movement was beneficial. Yet, aside from her trips to the kitchen, her daily exercise was virtually nonexistent.

Titus had taken it upon himself to ensure Chiara made her way downstairs for meals, insisting it was vital for her to stretch her legs, even if just a little.

She barely had time to finish her breakfast when the clock struck nine, and that was when he would finally leave for the office, his presence lingering long after she had eaten. Remarkably, he returned home well before the sun dipped below the horizon.

At first, Chiara had thought that perhaps Titus was simply not busy, but after three days of this routine, she found herself unable to hold back any longer. “I’m fine now. You really don’t need to come home so early every day,” she stated, her tone firm but gentle.

That kind of behavior was so uncharacteristic of him. Titus rarely returned home before dark. Even during their planned outings to Goodman Manor, it was always close to nightfall by the time they left.

Yet, when she expressed her thoughts, Titus shot back, “Can’t I come back to my own home?”

Chiara was momentarily taken aback, rendered speechless by his unexpected response.

“What are you lost in thought about?” Queenie interjected, her curiosity piqued.

Chiara shook her head, dismissing the concern. “Nothing,” she replied, though her mind was still swirling with confusion.

At that moment, Lena and Noreen emerged from the elevator, and Noreen’s face lit up upon spotting Chiara. “Ms. Lynch, you’re back! How are you feeling? Any better?”

Chiara returned the smile, her heart warming at the gesture. “Much better now. Thanks for checking on me, Noreen.”

Noreen nodded, her expression brightening. “That’s good to hear,” she said before retreating back to her office.

Lena stole a glance at Chiara before quickly averting her gaze as she settled at her desk.

Chiara, unfazed, continued her conversation with Queenie, who leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “While you were away, Lena’s been acting a bit… strange.”

“What do you mean by that?” Chiara asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“I can’t quite put my finger on it, but she seems really down. I tried reaching out to her, but she just brushed me off. I wonder if something’s bothering her…” Queenie speculated.

Curiosity piqued, Chiara glanced over at Lena, who seemed to sense her gaze and looked back with an expression that was dark and brooding. It sent an uncomfortable shiver down Chiara’s spine, prompting her to quickly look away.

Lena gripped her pen tightly, her mind racing with thoughts of the thirty thousand dollars sitting idly in her bank account. Money had never been her primary concern, but seeing Chiara so content with her life was a bitter pill to swallow.

Each day, she found herself fixating on that photograph taken in the hospital room, replaying it over and over in her mind. With every glance, the bitterness within her grew, feeding her envy.

She imagined herself in that photo, occupying Chiara’s space, relishing in the happiness that seemed to elude her.

Lena was acutely aware that her thoughts were spiraling into madness, yet the love she harbored for someone unattainable pushed her past the boundaries of rationality.

As she contemplated the plan Elaine had suggested, a flicker of determination ignited in Lena’s eyes.

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