Chapter 103
RAVEL
PRESENT TIME
A multitude of events were unfolding simultaneously. Iâd been relentlessly attempting to get in tow with Kayudar since he departed from Eleanorâs ward, yet my efforts remained fruitless. With each am reading to my calls being rerouted to his voicemail, I couldnât help but empathize with the frustration they may have experwared with my contact me on that fateful night..
As I made my way into my home, my jacket casually slung over my shoulder, I was taken aback by the sugle of jure porturing on the sofa, engrossed in a Netflix movie, a bowl of popcorn in her hand.
She greeted me with a warm smile, âWelcome home, Ravel, It seems nearly impossible to cauch a player of you, done engage in a conversation these days.â
Without acknowledging her, I silently ascended the staircase, retreating to my room. My primary agenda was to potens myself with a much-needed shower, change into clean attire, and gather the essential items required for my two to for hospital.
After luxuriating in the soothing flow of the shower and meticulously selecting a change of doches for the following day along with the requisite office documents, I made my way to the kitchen, intent on acquiring some fresh fruits to susedio me for the night. As I enteredWithout acknowledging her, I silently ascended the staircase, retreating to the solnude of my room. My primary agenda was to refresh myself with a much-needed shower, change into dean air, and rather the essential items required for my imminent return to the hospital.
After luxuriating in the soothing flow of the shower and meticulously selecting a change of clothes for the following day along with the requisite office documents, I made my way to the kitchen, intent on acquiring some fresh fruins no suodin the during my hospital visit. As I walked down the stairs, I couldnât help but notice Juneâs warddu your, yokoy my every move until I disappeared into the kitchen.
A few minutes elapsed before I discerned the soft cadence of her footsteps drawing nearer. Without taking any focus of the fruits on the table, I inquired. âIs there something you wish to discuss? My voice was calm and measured as I continued to deftly dice the fruits, arranging them on a small takeout plate.
In an unexpected moment, her gentle hands enveloped my waist, and she let out a plaintive whine, I a ss you so muc Ravel. Itâs as though youâve become a rare sight these days, and itâs difficult not to notice your doorac Dropping the knife with a gentle clatter, I delicately pried her fingers apart, freeing myself from her grasp. Sure youâre brought this up, itâs high time we had this conversation,â I stated firmly. Her brow furrowed in confusion, sagging to comprehend my words.
I pulled out one of the stools adjacent to the kitchen island and gestured for her to take a seat âPlease, have a seat? I implored, my expression serious.
She reluctantly complied, crossing her arms defensively. âWhatâs going on?â she inquired, her curiosity mixed with a kuur of concern. âWhy do you look so serious?â
Leaning against the kitchen island, I locked eyes with her, blinking slowly. âJune, itâs time for this to end I need my some unwavering âIn fact, let me correct that itâs ending tonight.â
â
June responded with a disbelieving scoff. âTell me this is some sick, twisted joke that isnât even remotely funnyâ
I met her anger with a composed demeanor, squarely facing her. âI did make it clear from the beginning what this was art! I always mentioned that it would eventually come to an end, I stated calmly. I also promised that Iâd ever poter at sp with something nice or provide you with a check, whichever you prefer?
She sniffed indignantly, her frustration evident as she tucked her tongue into her mouth. So, you just want to discard mes Her tone dripped with bitterness. âIs it because Hazel came back and you have a child with her? Is that the rea ss
1/3 âI donât owe you any explanations,â I informed her with a measured calmness. âIâve always been clear about our
arrangement, and all I owe you is the settlement I promised.â I held firm, reminding her that she had understood the terms from the very beginning. There was no reason for me to feel sorry for her.
I attempted to inject a bit of optimism into the situation. âLook on the bright side, June. You can go back to your boyfriend and have an open relationship now.â
She responded with a snort of frustration. âThe brighter side would have been marrying you, having your last name,â she lamented. âBut I guess I wonât be getting any of that.â
I shrugged in response. âIt is what it is, June,â
Despite the pain my words had caused, June nodded in agreement, nervously biting her lower lip. âIâll take the check and a house,â she stated, and I raised an eyebrow at her second request. âWhat? I canât spend the entire sum on just a house,â she added with a hint of defensiveness. She leaned back, pursing her lips. âIâm also keeping the car you bought me, and I need a place to live.â
I reassured her, âThatâs not a problem. I already have a real estate agent who can help you find a suitable place. Just stop by my office tomorrow, and youâll get the check.â
June tilted her head, displaying a hint of reluctance. âWhy the rush? You do realize Iâm not leaving until you hand me the keys to my new apartment, right?â
I responded in a measured tone, âThat should be ready before the weekend. So, please, stop by my office tomorrow for the check before I change my mind.â My decision was driven by practicality, not emotions, given the nature of our relationship over the years.
Concluding our conversation, I picked up the plate of diced fruits, carefully placing it in a plastic bag, and also retrieved some milk from the fridge before making my way toward the door. I couldnât deny that this had gone smoother than I had anticipated.
However, just as I was about to leave, June posed an unexpected question, causing me to pause.
âWhatâs so special about her that you canât just let her go?â Her inquiry was direct, and I turned around to face her, narrowing my gaze.
âIâm talking about Hazel,â she pressed on. âWhat makes her so special?â
I considered her question for a moment before responding, âWhen youâve experienced a deep, profound love with someone, youâll understand.â I cautioned her, âDonât attempt to rationalize or understand what I have with Hazel. Itâs a complex connection, and trying to make sense of it will only leave you with more questions than answers.â
Intrigued, June rose to her feet, a thoughtful expression on her face. âI wasnât really expecting you to answer that,â she mused as she took a step closer to me. âLet me pose another question, then.â
I cautioned her, âI canât promise Iâll answer.â
âThat wonât stop me from asking,â she replied with determination. âIf you were willing to go back to her or forgive her so easily, why did you go through with the divorce in the first place?â Her voice held a rasp of frustration and confusion.
Reiterating my stance, I maintained a firm tone. âAs Iâve mentioned previously, June, Iâm not obliged to provide you with an explanation.â
With a sense of resolution, I went on to clarify our agreement further. âRegarding your apartment, rest assured it will be ready for you by the weekend. However, upon my return on Monday, I expect to find no trace of your presence in my house. Is that perfectly clear?â
Juneâs grin widened even more, her satisfaction palpable. She responded with confidence, âSo long as I have the money and the house, your message is crystal clear. You wonât find me here when
you return.â
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