A Divorce He Regrets

Chapter 24:

“Yeah?” The voice on the other end was rough, casual.noveldrama

“It’s Eliza,” I said, infusing my voice with the authority I knew would command his attention. “We need to meet.”

There was a pause, and then he chuckled, low and calculating. “Eliza… I knew you’d be back sooner or later.”

I quickly changed into dark jeans and a sweater, something inconspicuous. My old neighborhood wasn’t a place for silk and designer labels; it was gritty, the kind of place you left and never looked back. But tonight, I was going back, knowing exactly who I was looking for.

When I finally arrived, I spotted Daniel right where I’d expected—leaning against a lamppost outside the rundown bar he haunted. He hadn’t changed a bit. Rough around the edges, with that same eager glint in his eyes that had once drawn me in. I approached him with purpose, my expression softening just enough to play him the way I needed to.

“Daniel,” I purred, letting my voice dip in a way I knew he couldn’t resist. “I need you to take care of someone for me.”

He looked me up and down, a spark of interest in his gaze. “You know my price, sweetheart.”

Disgust flickered through me, but I hid it well. Once, I’d let him believe he was the one I wanted, that he’d been more than a pawn to get what I couldn’t from Alex since he never touched me or allowed me to touch him even. But tonight, I had no patience for his little games. I shoved a thick wad of cash into his hand, watching as his eyes widened in appreciation.

“Just do it, Daniel,” I said, my voice cool.

He frowned, reluctant, but the sight of the money was too much to resist. He nodded with a grunt. “Fine. But you owe me, Eliza.”

As I watched Daniel shove the cash into his pocket, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of grim satisfaction. His face still held that familiar hunger, the one I used to manipulate so easily. But tonight wasn’t about pleasure, nor about our past games. Tonight was about sealing my future with Alex—with no one, especially not Raina, getting in the way.

“Don’t mess this up,” I warned, letting an edge creep into my voice. “I need her gone.”

𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠: gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⸰𝙘𝙤𝙢

He flashed me that crooked grin, the kind he thought was charming, but his eyes gleamed with greed. “When have I ever let you down?”

I almost laughed at his misplaced confidence. He hadn’t changed at all—still as rough, as reckless as ever. And that’s exactly why I’d chosen him. He’d get the job done without asking too many questions. And if things went south, no one would look twice in his direction.

“Tomorrow, then,” I murmured, turning on my heel without waiting for a response.

The next morning, I was at the hospital before dawn, a heavy tension settling in my chest. Daniel had assured me he’d be close by, lurking somewhere outside, ready to “handle” Raina if she showed up. He had that smirk on his face when he said it, one that made my skin crawl. But none of that mattered now. All I had to do was get close to Liam.

The hospital halls were quiet, and I moved swiftly, glancing around until I spotted the doctor who had been overseeing Liam’s care. I put on a concerned expression, tilting my head in that way I knew would make them believe I was here out of love for Alex.

“Good morning,” I said softly. “I’m here to see Liam. I’d appreciate some time alone with him if that’s alright.”

The doctor nodded, giving me a look of sympathy, clearly assuming I was here to offer support in this trying time. “Of course. Take all the time you need.” They were all so easy to fool. I gave a polite smile and walked toward Liam’s room, making sure the door closed softly behind me.

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