hapter 9
Steam rose in soft curls from the hot spring pool as Brandon Caldwell leaned back against the edge, the warmth easing the tightness in his muscles.
Mrs. Caldwell sat in her wheelchair nearby, pushed slowly along the stone path by Vanessa Ayla. Her face was lit with satisfaction. “You picked a good spot this time. It’s way more comfortable than home.”
Brandon smiled faintly and reached out to brush aside the damp hair clinging to her temples. “Mom, your leg’s just starting to heal. Don’t soak too long.
She patted his hand, her tone uncharacteristically gentle. “Relax, I know my limits.”
Vanessa stood quietly to the side and offered her a towel with a soft, obedient smile. “Here, let me wipe your
face for you, ma’am.”
Mrs. Caldwell nodded approvingly and turned to Brandon. “She’s far more thoughtful than some people.”
The smile on Brandon’s face dimmed. He didn’t reply.
His gaze drifted to the distant hills. He didn’t know why, but Evelyn flashed through his mind.
She was never one to curry favor, but whenever his mother fell ill, Evelyn would be there–sitting quietly by the bed, brewing herbal teas, changing sheets, cleaning up without complaint.
“Brandon?” Mrs. Caldwell’s voice cut through his thoughts. “What are you zoning out for?”
He blinked and shook his head. “Nothing.”
A pause.
“Mom,” he said suddenly, “you promised not to interfere in things between Evelyn and me.”
Mrs. Caldwell’s smile stiffened for a beat, but she waved him off. “Fine. I know you’re still hung up on her.
Now that my leg’s better, I’m done meddling in your mess.”
Relief washed through Brandon like a tide. A weight he hadn’t realized he was carrying slipped from his
chest,
Her leg was healed, the wedding was done–once they got back, things could return to normal.
He and Evelyn… maybe they still had a chance.
That night, he sat alone on the suite’s balcony, a cigarette between his fingers, unlit.
Vanessa slipped into the room, clad only in a bath towel, water droplets trailing down her collarbone.
“Why are you out here all by yourself, Brandon?” she purred, walking over and placing her hand lightly on
Chapter 9
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his shoulder.
He turned to look at the faint red mark on her neck–the one he’d left there last night in a moment of
impulsive frustration.
A wave of irritation surged in his chest.
“Vanessa,” he said, voice cold, “we may have had a wedding ceremony, but Evelyn’s still my wife.”
Her hand froze mid–stroke, but she quickly masked the tension with a sweet smile. “I know. I’d never make things difficult for her.”
His expression softened a little. “You’ve been really considerate. I appreciate that.”
Vanessa dipped her head, letting her damp hair veil the simmering resentment in her eyes. “Whoever you love, I’ll love too.”
Brandon reached up and gently ruffled her hair. “Go get some rest.
She gave a soft nod and walked away.
He watched her go, but his heart felt strangely hollow.
>>
Pulling out his phone, he stared at the screen for a moment before locking it again.
Forget it. He’d talk to Evelyn when he got back.
On the drive home the next morning, Mrs. Caldwell was in high spirits, already planning out their return.
“Vanessa should move in with us,” she said cheerfully. “That guest room’s just collecting dust anyway.‘
Brandon kept his eyes on the road. “Mm.”
Vanessa sat in the passenger seat, scrolling through her phone, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips.
Catching her reflection in the rearview mirror, Brandon felt a sudden sense of dissonance.
The seat beside him–it should’ve been Evelyn’s.
His phone rang.
“Mr. Caldwell, you’ve got a COD delivery, Needs a signature.”
“What is it?”
“No idea. Just a document envelope.”
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“Leave it at the front gate,” he replied absently. “Have the housekeeper sign.”
He hung up and forgot the call almost immediately.
By the time they reached the villa, the setting sun bathed everything in golden light.
His mood inexplicably lifted.
He’d talk to Evelyn today.
Tell her his mother was stepping back.
Tell her the one he truly loved had always been her.
Tell her… everything that had gone wrong wasn’t what he wanted.
He stepped out of the car, full of anticipation, and headed toward the door.
The housekeeper met him outside, holding a slim parcel. “Sir, your delivery.”
Brandon took it, fingers brushing the stiff edges of the envelope. An ominous feeling crept up his spine.
He tore it open.
A dark red booklet slipped into his palm.
Divorce Certificate.
Date of Issuance: Today.
He froze on the spot. The sun still shone, but the chill running through him made it feel like midwinter.
She hadn’t canceled it.
Chapter 9
