A Divorce He Regrets

Chapter 63:

She didn’t stop.

“Raina, wait. Just lunch. That’s all I’m asking. We can talk about the kids.”

That got her attention. She froze, turning to face me with a look that could have melted steel.

“Don’t even start with me,” she hissed. “Ava is mine. Mine. You signed an agreement giving me sole custody. As for Liam, if you want to talk about him, you’ll have to go through my lawyer.”

Her words were like a punch to the gut, but I forced a smile. “We’re adults, Raina. We don’t need lawyers to have a conversation. It’s just lunch.”

“I said no,” she snapped, turning to leave.

I reached out, grabbing her wrist. “Raina, please—”

She turned so fast I barely had time to react before her hand connected with my face. The sharp sting of her slap echoed in the air, but I didn’t let go. Before I could say another word, a man about my size stepped in, his posture protective.

“Respect the lady,” he said, his voice firm.

I glared at him, unamused. “Mind your own business. I’m talking to my wife.”

“Ex-wife,” Raina corrected, her tone icy.

The man turned to her, a smirk playing on his lips. “Do you need help getting out of here?”

Raina smiled—a real, genuine smile—and nodded. “I’d appreciate that.”noveldrama

I stood there, frozen, as the man led her away. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my jaw tightening with every step she took away from me.

I wasn’t giving up. Not now. Not ever.

RAINA

The moment I stepped into my car, a wave of relief washed over me. Whoever that man was, he’d done me a favor I hadn’t even realized I needed. Alex had been unbearable, his presence suffocating.

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 @ ⲅⲁⳑ𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⍿ⅽ𝗈𝗺

As I pulled into the driveway, the weight of everything that had happened that day settled onto my shoulders. I parked the car and made my way into the house, determined not to return to the office. My head wasn’t in the right place to deal with clients or meetings.

The familiar sound of baby coos greeted me as I stepped inside. Dominic was in the living room, cradling his newborn son in his arms. His face lit up with a smile when he saw me.

“Decided on a name yet?” I asked, plopping down onto the couch and letting the warmth of the moment ease some of my tension.

Dominic glanced down at the baby, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Not yet. I’m leaving that to Faith. She deserves to choose.”

I nodded, touched by his thoughtfulness. It wasn’t surprising, though. Dominic had always been this way, even as a kid. A pang of bitterness crept into my chest as I thought back to how Alex had unilaterally named our kids without even consulting me. I hadn’t pushed back then—I just went along with it, too worn down to argue.

Dominic continued, his tone light but sincere. “It feels selfish to name the baby myself when Faith did all the hard work. The least I can do is let her decide.”

“That’s thoughtful of you,” I said with a small smile, though my heart clenched at the contrast. Dominic had always been selfless, even back at the orphanage. I vividly remembered the nights when the portions of food were too small, and he’d go hungry just to make sure I had enough.

“Hey,” Dominic’s voice broke into my thoughts, his brow furrowed with concern. “What’s going on? You’ve got that 100k look.”

I hesitated. I didn’t want to drag him into my problems, but he’d find out soon enough. Sighing, I told him about my encounter with Alex and my intention to file a restraining order.

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