Chapter 14
Travis was a workaholic.
Nicole had known this even before they married.
Once he got caught up in work, he would forget to eat or sleep, often staying up all night, which had always been hard on his stomach.
After their marriage, Nicole had stocked their home with various stomach medications so he could take them whenever his pain flared up.
She’d even prepared an elegant medicine box for his office
Several times, it was Nicole’s carefully selected medications that had eased his stomach pain.
So now, when his stomach cramped, he instinctively called out her name.
In the past, Nicole would have rushed to his side in concern rubbing his stomach despite knowing he might push her away. She would have endured his anger and harsh words, gently bringing him water and medicine.
Remembering how she had loved so humbly, getting only contempt instead of love in return, Nicole felt a surge of anger and shame.
Those unloved years now felt like a dull knife in her heart.
Nicole kept her arms crossed, coldly watching as he clutched his stomach, his tall frame bent over, one hand braced against the wall, pain etched across his handsome face.
Her body almost betrayed her, instinctively wanting to rush and support him like before.
But her mind stopped her.
She gave him a detached glance as he suffered. “Travis, we’re divorced now. We’re both free people – let’s not interfere in each other’s lives anymore. You wanted to be with Lucy, didn’t you? Congratulations, you got your wish.”
The cramping in Travis’s stomach felt like a knife twisting inside him, cold sweat beading on his forehead from the pain.
Hearing her congratulate him about finally being with Lucy brought anger rather than joy.
This inexplicable anger confused even him.
He lifted his head, eyes bloodshot, and snarled, “So are you sleeping with Alexander Hayes? Have you been together all along? Were you cheating on me?”
Nicole found his furious expression both unbelievable and ironic.
He looked as if he was the one being wronged.
She let out a cold laugh. “Travis Graham, just because you were unfaithful in our marriage doesn’t mean everyone else is like you. I’ve always conducted myself with dignity! I swear, during our entire marriage, I never once betrayed you!”
Her voice rang with conviction, her posture straight and proud, showing none of her former timidity.
The change in her was so dramatic that Travis wondered if she’d taken some magical pill. How else could she have transformed so completely in just a few days?
Travis leaned heavily against the wall, still arguing.
“Hah, anyone can make promises – even a three–year–old can swear! If you’re really so innocent, why defend yourself with empty oaths? Clearly you’re guilty. You must be sleeping with Hayes!”
Hearing his words, Nicole realized there was no point in continuing this conversation.
She checked her watch – she’d been away from the dinner too long.
“Believe what you want,” she said, turning and walking away without another glance at Travis’s pain–twisted face.
