Chapter 1605
Steven slammed the gas pedal. His sports car was roaring through the streets as he raced back to his suburban mansion. The lights in the yard and living room were ablaze. The mansion was a beacon in the quiet night that lifted his spirits and quickened his stride as he approached.
However, the living room was empty, devoid of the warmth and welcome heâd hoped to find. A wry smile tugged at his lips, a self-deprecating chuckle escaping him.
He shouldâve known, really. What was he even thinking?
Hannah, the woman he married in a whirlwind of passion and paperwork, was no longer the starry-eyed bride she once was. Back in those early days, he knew sheâd be there, waiting for him, yet heâd linger on the ground floor, reluctant to face her.
He had deliberately crafted an image of a man about town, indulging in late nights out to fuel her misgivings.
Whenever he did come home, their only real interaction was in the bedroom. At first, sheâd wait up for him, her face lighting up at his return. Sheâd greet him with a kiss, her enthusiasm in their intimate moments undeniable.
Afterward, curled in his arms, sheâd whisper, âSteven, letâs have a baby.âe2
He wanted to say yes, but instead, heâd push her away, his voice cold and distant as he dressed. âHannah, youâre not fit to bear my child.â
Her heartbreak was silent, but he saw it in her eyes-the shattering of her spirit.
In a twisted sense of triumph, he added, âBesides, Iâve had a vasectomy. Youâll never carry my child.â
Sheâd tried to smile through the pain, asking him simply, âWhy?â
âWhy? You want money, I want your body. Itâs just a transaction, Hannah. Donât you get it?â With those words, he left her alone in the vastness of their luxurious home.
He had no idea how she spent that night, but the next day, her eyes were swollen-betraying a night drowned in tears.
His treatment of her hadnât stopped there. It wasnât until he saw how Skyler would rather turn to ash than stay with Zavier that he realized the extent of his cruelty.
Steven thought heâd had an timely epiphany, that it wasnât too late, that agreeing to a divorce might mend the fractures heâd caused.
But all of that was just what he thought.
To truly love someone is never to harm them.
Now, standing outside Hannahâs door, Steven reached for the knob only to find it locked. He had a key, and could easily let himself in, but this time, he chose not to invade her space. As he turned to leave, the door swung open from the inside.
He spun around, his surprise melting into delight at the sight of Hannah, looking cozy in her fluffy hoodie pajamas. âHannah!â
âCan we talk?â She asked.
âOf course. Whatever you want to discuss, Iâm here,â Steven replied eagerly.
âAre you hungry?â
âAre you? I can whip up something for us. No need to bother Milana with a late-night snack,â he offered.
Hannah began to descend the stairs. âItâs fine. Iâll just throw something together for myself.â
Over the years, with her acting career keeping her busy, Steven had never seen her cook a thing. âYou can cook?â He asked, a note of genuine curiosity in his voice.
Without a word, Hannah continued on her way.