Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Puting on a Show

“That's...” That's nonsense.

She wanted to say that, but instantly melted into his kiss, savoring the

taste of his lips and his heady scent, a subtle blend of mint and

tobacco.

Elijah’s hands traveled down her body to lift her skirt, and she felt dizzy

with anticipation...

But then his phone rang, and in an instant Cordelia snapped back to

reality.

She turned away and bit her lower lip nervously.

Impatiently, Elijah pressed his hand on Cordelia’s shoulder and

answered the call, “So what's the matter now?”

Sobs and whimpers came from the other line. “Elijah, it hurts so much...

Why haven't you come yet?"

Elijah glanced at Cordelia, and she took the opportunity to push him

away. Then she quickly straightened her clothes.

“I'll be there soon.” Elijah’s voice softened.

After hanging up, Elijah fell silent for a moment before saying, “I'll pick

you up tomorrow night for dinner at home. My mom says she misses

you.”

Cordelia whipped her head around.

“Didn't you tell them we're getting a divorce?”

“Let's put that on hold for now.” He worked his jaw anxiously. “My

father's been having some heart problems lately, and I don't want to

give him unneeded stress. ”

She sighed. “Elijah, we've already made arrangements for the divorce. I

have no obligation to play along with your charade.”

“Fifty thousand dollars for one dinner at home,” Elijah

countered.

“Okay,” Cordelia faked a smile. “But if you lay a finger on me during the

“performance,’ there'll be an additional charge.”

He eyed her carefully as she walked over to her purse and retrieved her

phone, shaking it in front of him. She wanted her payment upfront.

His eyes widened at her boldness. After staring for a while, he took out

his phone.

“I should

aL

I'll pick you up tomorrow at six.”

Her back was turned to him as he left. But once the door closed,

exhaustion flooded through her, a deep sadness settling over her.

I almost fell for his sweet words again... I'm such a fool.’

Her heart ached in her chest, and she hated herself for even agreeing to

the dinner.

A few seconds later, her phone rang again. It was her best friend,

“My dearest, beloved, and all-mighty Cordelia, help me!" Imogen cried.

Cordelia furrowed her brows. “What's wrong?”

“I sprained my foot, and I have a performance next Friday. Can you

stand in for me?” Imogen pleaded.

Cordelia quickly checked her schedule, “Alright, you're lucky I'm free. I'll

have to come to the dance studio tomorrow morning to practice

though.”

Imogen chuckled nervously, “Um, just so you know. This dance involves

a lot of close contact with the male partner, and...”

“It's okay. It'll be fine.”

Anyway, she was going to get a divorce.

She was about to be freed from her loveless marriage. Now, she wanted

to slowly return to her old, happier self.

Besides, even if they didn't get divorced, she doubted Elijah would care

about her being physically close with a male dance partner.

She snorted softly.

“His opinions don’t matter to me anymore!"

Cordelia spent the next whole day practicing and dancing.

“Purge Condelles band just practing the dance

tee of bags

Aring flower pot with

wheed What as pon

“We home for The Corlia repliest coldly

After a while. Flunk alle spoke his words ameling like they

came through grieved wet

“War there. I'm coming...”

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“Where are you?”

“Burgo Street.” Cordelia had just finished practicing the dance and was

out of breath.

Suddenly, Elijah’s tone sounded scary. “Why? What are you doing

there? Who are you with?”

“It's none of your business!” Cordelia replied coldly.

After a while, Elijah finally spoke, his words sounding like they came

through gritted teeth. “Wait there. I'm coming...”

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