4 Chapter 4
“Mrs. Colton, I only saw him when he asked me to source the best organic meals for you,”
I gave a soft “Mm” and pulled my hand free, ignoring the flicker of disappointment in his eyes.
His words were laced with deep affection, sounding completely sincere.
As if remembering something, he added, “Miranda, I have an urgent business trip to Monaco tomorrow, so I can’t be here with you. But my phone will be on 24/7. Call me if you need anything.”
I stared into Xavier’s pleading eyes and finally asked the question that had been haunting me.
Before we said our vows, I had made him swear: if he ever cheated, he had to tell me, and I would disappear from his life forever.
The moment he left, I checked myself out of the center. At our penthouse, I packed a single duffel bag and left the signed divorce agreement on his polished mahogany desk. Without a backward glance, I boarded a flight to Athens.
Each person described their interactions, all centered on my well-being. Some couldn’t hide their admiration for his obsessive attention to me.
For a split second, I saw a shadow of guilt in his eyes. Then he spoke again, his voice tinged with what sounded like genuine reluctance.
“Do you remember what you promised me before we were married?”
Xavier immediately nodded in agreement.
He then turned to the nurses and his staff. “Tell my wife exactly what our interactions have been lately. Be thorough!”
Finally, he kissed my forehead with a show of great reluctance and left the room.
Before the plane took off, I blocked his number, deleted my accounts, and vanished from the digital world.
15.42
When Jennifer’s name was mentioned, he stated coolly, “She’s a fragile friend of the family. I feel a duty to help her. That’s all. Miranda, you are my entire world.”
Within moments, his assistant returned with a large portfolio. Xavier unrolled architectural plans across the bed-a stunning, state-of-the-art marine conservation
center.
Having demonstrated his loyalty, Xavier seemed to relax. He sat on the edge of my bed, took my hand, and said earnestly, “Miranda, you know you’re the only one I’ve ever loved. I could never want anyone else.”
He sighed dramatically before continuing, “When you’re well, we’ll oversee the new center together. I’ll delegate more at the firm so we never have to be apart.”
The staff recited their encounters one by one.
“Mrs. Colton, I spoke with him when he noticed your saline drip was running low and demanded I replace it.”
Though his words were a performance, they were flawlessly delivered.
If I wasn’t already aware that he was leaving to arrange an illegal organ transplant, I might have been moved by his speech.
“But I’ll miss you terribly. Even for a day, I hate the thought of being away from you.”
“Mrs. Colton, my last interaction with Mr. Colton was to present your revised physical therapy plan.”
“Why are you bringing this up now? Have I done something to upset you?”
Stifling the sickness in my stomach, I nodded. “Be safe on your trip.”
He stood up quickly, his expression turning serious, and instructed his assistant outside the door, “Bring me the plans for the conservation center!”
I laughed bitterly inside, gesturing for everyone to leave.
Xavier gestured to the sprawling design and declared passionately, “This is for you, Miranda. A testament to my devotion. How could I ever look at another woman?”
3/2
