Chapter 4
“I’m afraid now isn’t a good time,” Christina dismissed her outright. “What is it? I can pass the message along.”
Silvana bit her lip. Her calm demeanor was little more than a performance -in truth, she still cared. She was only pretending to be strong.
Noticing her silence, Christina continued, “Ms. Mendoza, if you’re planning something, a word of advice–give it up. You’ve signed the divorce papers. It’s a bit late to change your mind, don’t you think?
“I grew up with Ken, and I know him better than anyone. What about you? Do you even know him? Did he ever take you to see his family? didn’t think so. Do you want to know why he never brought you home? Because they would never have accepted you.
“I turned him down when he asked me to be with him, so he chose
you out of spite. You were the placeholder. These past three years you’ve had were nothing but a mistake, and it’s time to fix it. Don’t call again, and don’t try to reach out with some pathetic excuse.”
Silvana didn’t respond.
It was true–she knew nothing about Kendrick’s family. There had been times she was curious, but given the complicated state of her own, she hadn’t even told her parents when they married. As for his family… Insecurity about her own background had kept her from asking, and he had never volunteered anything. So, it had always remained unspoken.
Christina ended the call, and Silvana didn’t try again. She took a few steadying breaths and then phoned Kendrick’s driver, Irving Hubbard.
“Hello, Irving. It’s Silvana. Are you free to come to Serenity Estates to
0.00%
15.530
Chapter 4
collect Kendrick’s things?”
20chers
“Hello, Ms. Mendoza. I’ll need to check with Mr. Villarreal first,” Irving replied.
Hearing the hesitation in his tone, she offered politely, “Or if you prefer, just give me an address. I can have everything delivered. It might save you a trip.”
“Well…”
“Can’t you?”
“I’m afraid I can’t disclose any address without Mr. Villarreal’s consent. I hope you understand, Ms. Mendoza. It’s a matter of privacy.” Irving’s voice remained respectful, tinged with caution, as though worried he might offend her.
Silvana couldn’t help but wonder if Kendrick was afraid she’d bother him if she knew where he was.
“Of course. I understand. Please check with him,” she said.
It didn’t take long for Irving to call back. “Ms. Mendoza,” he said, still impeccably polite, “Mr. Villarreal said there’s nothing important there. If you don’t wish to keep the items, you may throw them away.”
For a moment, Silvana’s chest tightened. “He said that?”
“Yes.”
“Alright. I see. Thank you.”
A wave of bitterness washed over Silvana after she hung up decisively. No matter how much she tried to convince herself she was unbothered by the divorce, the truth was–she still cared. After all, they had been married for three years. If she’d felt nothing for him, she wouldn’t have
27.68%
15.53
Chapter 4
shared so many days and nights with him.
She dealt with Kendrick’s belongings, left Serenity Estates, and moved back to the apartment she’d lived in before their marriage.
The Vouchers
On her first day back, her phone rang–Kendrick’s name flashing across the screen. For a second, she just stared, wondering if it was some kind of illusion. After a hesitant moment, she finally answered, her voice soft. “Hello?”
“You called earlier. What about?”
Kendrick’s deep, mellow voice came through.
Silvana replied flatly, “Nothing important.”
“I sent Irving back to Serenity Estates this morning,” Kendrick said.
She remained silent.
He continued, “You’re selling the apartment?”
He was well–informed indeed.
Since the apartment was hers now, she could do as she pleased with it. Besides, she had done nothing wrong throughout their marriage. There was no reason to hide anything from him. “Yes,” she answered plainly.
“Where will you live?”
“I have a place.”
“You don’t like Serenity Estates? But you said you loved the environment there.” His tone was even, giving away nothing.
It was true–she had said that once, casually. She was surprised that he even remembered.
50.36%
15.53
Chapte
Taking a deep breath, she said, “Not anymore.”
After a pause, she added. “I called earlier to ask what you wanted me to do with the things you left behind. But I’ve already taken care of them. I don’t think we need to be in contact anymore.”
“As you wish.”
Maybe it was her imagination—but for a moment, Kendrick almost sounded angry.
Yes, it must have been her imagination.
***
Kendrick ended the call first. He tossed his phone onto the desk, his expression darkening, the air around him growing heavy and tense. He pinched the bridge of his nose with his slender, pale fingers, a faint, inexplicable irritation tightening in his chest.
Irving, standing off to the side, felt the pressure weighing on him so great that his eyelids twitched nervously. And of course, the source of his distress was obvious.
That morning, he had gone to Serenity Estates and discovered the apartment had already been listed for sale online. He reported it to Kendrick immediately. Ever since, Kendrick had been in a foul mood.
But of course, he didn’t dare to ask why.
Kendrick lit a cigarette and took a slow drag, his brow furrowed. Smoke curled and drifted in the air, softening the sharp lines of his features, making his thoughts impossible to read.
“Mr. Villarreal…” Irving ventured cautiously. “What would you like to do about the apartment? Should I speak with Ms. Mendoza?”
70 82%
15:53
Chapter 4
Kendrick flicked the ash from his cigarette. “No need. I gave her the apartment. She can do as she pleases with it.”
Irving fell silent.
283 Vout hers
After a while, the visible irritation on Kendrick’s face faded. He asked, his
voice devoid of emotion, “Do you know where she’s living now?”
195,06%
