Chapter 142

“Payne, this is Mrs. Quinn, not your mother,” he explained patiently.
Payne gazed up with wide, pleading eyes, his lips trembling in protest. “But she is my mom.”
He’d snuck a look at her photograph before she looked so much like the woman standing before him now. Dıscover more novels at
Aurora turned away to wipe her tears, trying to steady herself.
Louis’s expression was icy cold. “Please leave.”
He was angry.
Warner scratched his nose awkwardly, taking Aurora by the arm, ready to go.
But Aurora hesitated. “I want to stay with Payne.”
Louis’s voice was frigid. “And in what capacity would you stay? If I recall correctly, you’re Daniel’s wife.”
Aurora froze.
That’s right. She was Daniel’s wife.
“I
“Aurora.”
Daniel’s voice cut her off as he hurried in, slightly out of breath.
His face was pale, his usually upright posture now seeming frail.
The first thing he’d done upon waking was look for Aurora, only to find she’d left in
a hurry. Worried, he’d had someone track her down-and discovered she was with Louis.
Louis gave him a curt nod in greeting. “Mr. Chambers.”
Daniel stepped inside, his gaze falling on Payne. A flicker of shock crossed his eyes.
He’d always been perceptive; one glance was enough to see how much the child resembled Aurora.
Was this… her child?
Almost unconsciously, he gripped Aurora’s hand, fighting back a tidal wave of pain.
“What’s wrong with the boy?” he asked quietly.
Louis stayed silent.
Daniel nodded, then turned to his wife. “Shall we go?”
Aurora was reluctant, but she knew she couldn’t stay any longer.
“Alright.”
She looked tenderly at Payne. “Goodbye, Payne.”
Tears welled up instantly in Payne’s eyes, his lips quivering. “Mom
Aurora almost couldn’t help herself from turning back, but Daniel’s grip was too strong. He pulled her away, snapping her back to reality.
She couldn’t afford to anger Daniel.
Once they were downstairs and in the car, she finally lost control and the tears streamed down her face.
Daniel stood outside, watching her through the window. At that moment, he had an overwhelming urge to light a cigarette, to numb himself.
The cold wind howled, cutting straight through him.
“Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?” His voice was strained.
Aurora lowered her hands, revealing her swollen, red eyes. “Daniel, let’s get a divorce.”
Bang!
Daniel’s fist slammed hard against the car, his anger so intense his voice shook. “So you’re planning to run to him after the divorce?”
Aurora’s heart ached so badly it was hard to breathe. She dug her nails into her palm, trying to stay composed.
“His child is sick. I want to be there for him.”
Just thinking of the boy’s fragile state made her heart ache all over again. Daniel climbed into the car, his hand gripping her cheek almost possessively. He saw the pain and vulnerability in her eyes—each glance fueling his anger.
“So there was never a place for me in your heart, was there?” His words were biting. “All those times you said you loved me
“It was just to please you.” Aurora stared up at him stubbornly, tears sparkling in her eyes. “Did you really believe it?”
Daniel’s hand dropped away. He looked at her, as if seeing a stranger.
So all those sweet words were nothing but lies.
Now that Louis was back, she didn’t need him anymore he was disposable.
“Aurora, you’re unbelievable. Really.” Daniel’s voice was dangerously calm, his smile shadowed with bitterness.
He straightened and moved to the far side of the car, every trace of tenderness gone, replaced by a chilling distance. “Aurora, you know I’m not the type to let things go.”
“You want a divorce so you can run back to Louis? I’m not about to make it that easy for you.”
His heart had turned to ice, and he wasn’t going to pretend otherwise.
Aurora stared at Daniel’s cold profile, her own heart bleeding. “Daniel, there are plenty of women who’d be honored to be your wife. You don’t need me.”
He didn’t even look at her, just let out a bitter laugh. “You’re right. I don’t.”
He stepped out of the car, his tone flat and merciless. “Pack your things and get out.”
The car door slammed shut with finality.