A Divorce He Regrets

Chapter 195:

She spun on her heel and started walking toward the curb, her pace quick and determined.

“Raina, wait!” I called after her. “Shit!” I muttered under my breath before jogging to catch up. She had her phone in her hand, already dialing.

“Don’t,” I said, snatching the phone from her grasp. “Let me explain.”

“Explain what, Alex?” she snapped, glaring at me. “Why you thought it was okay to kiss me out of nowhere?”

I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I led her to my car, gently but firmly pinning her against the passenger door. “Don’t push me away,” I said softly.

Raina’s eyes darted away from mine. “Then why did you kiss me?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost vulnerable.noveldrama

“Do you really not know why?” I asked, searching her face.

Her cheeks flushed, and she turned her head slightly, as if avoiding my gaze would stop me from saying what we both knew I was going to say.

My eyes fell to her lips again, but I restrained myself.

“Answer me,” I said, keeping my tone gentle.

Raina’s blush deepened, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I saw a crack in her armor. “Alex…” she began, but her voice faltered. “I can’t do this with you. We’ve tried before, and—”

“I was a fool,” I interrupted, cupping her face with both hands. “A damn fool to hurt you and let you go. I’m not asking you to forgive me overnight, but I’m asking for a chance. Just one chance. You can go at your own pace. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

Her expression wavered, and for a moment, I thought she might agree. But when she didn’t respond, I stepped back, giving her the space she clearly needed.

“I have something for you,” I said, reaching into my jacket pocket. I pulled out the plane tickets and handed them to her.

“What’s this?” she asked, her brow furrowing as she took them.

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕖: gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⩵ℭ𝗈𝗺

“They’re for us,” I explained. “To go see the kids. I thought… it’s been too long, and the calls aren’t enough.”

Raina glanced at the plane tickets in her hand, her fingers brushing over the edges as she studied them. Her brow furrowed slightly, and she looked up at me, her voice laced with hesitation. “Alex, are you sure it’s safe? Nathan’s been… too quiet lately. I don’t want to let my guard down and then…” She stopped, her lips pressing into a tight line.

I took a step closer, meeting her gaze with steady assurance. “It’s safe,” I said firmly. “I’ve made all the necessary arrangements. Everything is covered, Raina. You don’t have to worry.”

Her shoulders sagged slightly, a mix of relief and residual tension. “I just…” she paused, glancing back at the tickets. “I don’t want to risk anything, especially not with the kids involved. He’s unpredictable.”

“I know,” I said, my tone softening. “But trust me, Raina. I wouldn’t put you or the kids in danger. I’ve thought this through.”

As she nodded slowly, I found myself drifting back to the conversations I’d had while making these arrangements. My mother’s voice echoed in my head, sharp and relentless. The memory of her disbelief when I told her about Eliza’s arrest was still fresh.

“She’s your sister, Alex,” my mother had said, her tone laced with frustration and disbelief. “How could you just cast Vanessa aside like that?”

I had clenched my jaw, gripping the edge of my desk. “She knew, Mom. Vanessa knew what Eliza did to Liam, and she didn’t stop it. Do you understand that? She’s not innocent.”

“She’s still your sister!” my mother had shot back. “Family doesn’t turn on family.”

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