Out of Ashes Into His Heart novel Chapter 9

For a moment, I couldn't believe my ears.

Mandy got divorced because of Gavin?

But he had claimed he didn't know anything about her divorce.

As my thoughts spiraled in confusion, a scoff echoed from the room—a sharp, mocking sound.

"So, what's your plan? Getting a divorce? Getting back together with Mandy? Reigniting the old flame?"

Gavin's tone turned cold, clearly irritated by Tom's sarcasm. "I haven't thought about divorce, and I won't be with her."

The warmth of his words melted a little of the ice around my heart.

It seemed Mandy's divorce was her own choice, not a shared decision.

"Gavin, do you like Grace Summers?"

That question sent a jolt through my chest.

I had loved Gavin for 12 years, pouring all my heart into him.

But did he feel the same for me?

I held my breath, hoping against hope for a simple, affirming answer. Just one word—yes—and maybe there would still be a future for our marriage.

But silence followed.

Endless, suffocating silence.

With every passing second, the fragile warmth I had clung to faded, leaving me colder than before.

Then, abruptly, Gavin's phone rang, shattering the quiet.

"Hello? What now? Didn't I say I was busy today?" Gavin's voice carried a mix of irritation and familiarity, the kind reserved for someone close.

It didn't take much to guess who was on the other end—Mandy.

I couldn't hear what she said, but Gavin's tone shifted immediately, becoming anxious. "Alright, I'll be there soon."

The weight in my chest sank deeper.

Once again, Gavin prioritized Mandy without hesitation.

It was clear—when it came to her, he was always the first to give in.

This was what people meant by the privileged confidence of being someone's favorite.

"Gavin, you're unbelievable!" Tom's voice cut through the air, now sharp and commanding. Years of military discipline had forged an intensity that made his anger palpable.

"Grace has loved you for over a decade. Even as an outsider, I can see how much she trusts and depends on you. She's committed to spending her life with you. And you? Can you honestly say you're worthy of her love?"

"Enough," Gavin snapped, his tone heavy with frustration. "This is between Grace and me."

Footsteps echoed toward the door. Panic surged through me—I couldn't let him catch me eavesdropping. Without thinking, I ducked into a nearby utility room, my heart pounding.

"Gavin Gould!"

Outside, a loud thud reverberated through the hallway, as though someone had been shoved hard against the wall. Tom's voice followed, low and menacing. "If you leave now, don't come back and regret it later."

"I don't have time for this!" Gavin shot back, his voice urgent. "Mandy's depression is acting up. I'm worried something might happen to her. I need to check on her now."

"Depression?" Tom sneered. "What a pathetic excuse. She's playing you like a fool."

Gavin ignored the jab, adjusting his disheveled collar as he spoke. "Andrew saved my life. I can't just stand by if she's in trouble."

Tom let out a cold laugh. "If you're so intent on repaying that debt, it should go to Andrew. What does a divorced woman like Mandy have to do with it?"

Gavin faltered, unable to find a retort. After a moment's pause, he sighed and said, "Forget it. You wouldn't understand. I have to go now. Take Grace home for me."

Without sparing another glance at Tom's cold and imposing expression, Gavin turned and strode away.

From the shadows of the utility room, I felt a chill seep into my bones as I listened to his fading footsteps.