Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Divorced

Victoria froze mid-step, fingers curling slightly as she struggled to stay upright. Even her breathing was all over the place, but she forced herself to pull it together.

Then she heard Theodore speak again. "Have you hated me all this time for dragging you away from Elijah?"

Under the dim light, his indifferent gaze was fixed on her back.

She really didn't hide it well. The second he said Elijah's name, her body gave a visible jolt.

Heh. Theodore let out a quiet, cold chuckle. Just a name, and she still reacts like this?

Victoria didn't dare turn around-afraid he'd see the tears that were already streaming down her face.

"Yeah. I've always hated you."

Back in her room, Victoria curled up tightly in the comforter, hugging her trembling body like it was the only thing keeping her from falling apart.

She reached up and touched the necklace at her neck. The shaking only got worse.

Elijah's voice echoed in her mind again. "Vicky, when I'm gone... have my ashes made into a necklace. One day, give it to Grace."

Her nose burned, and her delicate fingers kept brushing away tears as she whispered, barely audible, "Elijah, once I find Grace, I promise I'll give it to her. You can rest now."

Grace was Theodore's sister and had already gone missing.

...

Victoria didn't waste any time. The next day, she asked for leave from the station. While Theodore was at work, she packed up all her belongings, left the signed papers behind, and left.

She didn't dare drag this out-she was afraid she'd just get in deeper.

Pulling a small suitcase behind her, Victoria returned to the place Elijah had left her. After moving in with Theodore, the place had been empty.

She never thought she'd end up back here-tying on an apron, filling a bucket with water, and starting to clean up like it was her first day all over again.

In the afternoon, just as she sat down to catch her breath, her phone rang.

It was Old Mrs. Chambers.

Victoria hesitated for just a second before picking it up, her voice softening slightly. "Grandma, what's wrong?"

"Vicky, I'm not feeling well at all. I honestly don't think I have much time left. I need to make an announcement. You and Theo-come to the hospital now."

Victoria's brows knitted together. They were already divorced-did it still make sense for them to show up together?

"Vicky?"

More coughing came through the line, rough and sharp.

Her heart tightened. Worried for Grandma's health, she didn't think too much and just said yes.

Right after hanging up, she got a text from Theodore.

[Come.]

One simple words-cold and sharp, just like him.

Victoria blinked in surprise, walked to the balcony window, and looked out. A black Bugatti was parked on the street.

How did he know she was here?

Did he investigate everything about her after the divorce?

Frowning, she grabbed a denim jacket and let her hair fall down to cover the faint, lingering signs of last night on her skin.

Downstairs, she approached the car and tapped on the window. It slid down, revealing Theodore, his eyes fixed on her.

Victoria was wearing a light floral dress that went just past her knees. The fabric was soft and flowy, and with her figure, even simple clothes made her look effortlessly stunning.

But her face was pale-so pale it made people want to shield her from the world.

"Get in."

He kindly opened the passenger door for her.

"Thanks."

Despite how intimately tangled they were just last night, now every move between them felt awkward and distant.

Victoria leaned in to get in the car, and as she turned her head, the curve of her neck and the faint marks on her shoulder caught the light.

Theodore's fingers tensed slightly-images from the night before started flashing through his mind. Her boldness, his crazed desire... The thought of it all made his chest inexplicably warm. He forced himself to look away, trying to tamp it down.

Silence filled the car as it moved steadily down the road.

"Grandma's health isn't great. Once we're at the hospital, don't mention the divorce. If we need to, just play along."

"I've already signed the divorce papers. You can pick them up when you have time."

"Okay."

And just like that, they both lapsed into silence again.

His phone rang. Theodore glanced at the screen, tapped to answer with his long fingers.

A sweet, girlish voice came through the receiver.

"Theo, can I see you tonight? I miss you so much."

"I'm stopping by the hospital for Grandma tonight. Might not work."

His voice, usually distant, carried a rare hint of tenderness now.

For some reason, Victoria let out a faint smile.

So Theodore knew how to be soft. He just saved all that gentleness for Isabella Waters. Nothing left for anyone else.

She turned to face the window, caught a glimpse of her reddened eyes and his sharp profile in the reflection.

She blinked quickly, brushing off the tears. Swallowed everything.

"I'll come pick you up after I visit Grandma."

He ended the call.

Victoria leaned against her hand, pretending to nap. Inside, it felt like a tsunami, but she stayed frozen, as if none of it mattered.

Then, all of a sudden, a coat was draped over her.

She opened her eyes. Theodore's oversized coat was resting on her. She shot him a confused look.

"Sleep. I'll wake you when we're there."

His voice was detached but polite-flawlessly courteous, yet far away.

Her heart skipped a beat. Her fingers tightened around the coat. This kind of kindness only made things worse.

At St. Augustine Hospital's exclusive VIP ward, every single member of the Chambers family had shown up.

Old Mrs. Chambers was still asleep, and no one dared disturb her.

Theodore's parents stood up front. The others waited quietly to the side.

Among them was a woman with a striking figure, sunglasses hiding her eyes, pale oval face framed by brown curls-a serious head-turner.

It was none other than superstar actress Isabella Waters.

As soon as she ended the call, she rushed to the hospital hoping to surprise Theodore.

She hadn't expected he'd show up with Victoria.

When their eyes met, it felt like Victoria's heart got slashed open. She quickly looked away, avoiding Isabella's gaze.

It's hard to rise when your heart has never been held.

Davina Chambers spotted Victoria and instantly stiffened. She stormed over, and before anyone could react-smack. A hard slap to the face.

"Because of you, Grace is gone! You ruined everything-and you still dare come here?!" Her voice was low but full of venom. Rage burned in her eyes.

Isabella's heart dropped. From the corner of her eye, she saw Theodore's expression darken, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. That slap. had it really gotten to him?

Victoria stood there motionless, head dipped, silent. She let Davina hit her without a word.

"You stole Grace's fiancé and still had the nerve to marry my son? Victoria, what kind of madness is this!"

A cold intensity settled over Theodore's face. He reached for Victoria and pulled her behind him, every movement sharp with control.

"That's enough, Mom."

His tone was sharp, barely hiding his anger.

Victoria was stunned. She hadn't thought he'd defend her in front of everyone.

"Enough? If something happens to Grace, she's a murderer!"

Davina screamed, her voice breaking, eyes full of pure hatred.