Chapter 26 The $30 Million Gift from My Ex
It was a ruby necklace.
A collector’s item from a recent auction, it had many admirers. It fully sold for over $30 million to a mysterious buyer. This price was double what Christopher had spent on the diamond brooch he gave Evelyn.
I had asked Christopher for that brooch. He said he’d ask its owner, ut nothing came of it. Once something was in Evelyn’s hands, it was as good as gone, especially to me.
1 never expected Christopher to buy this ruby necklace and send it to me.
Christopher’s smile deepened. “Do you like it?
“It’s too much.” I said.
Elissa and the others had given me expensive gifts before, but they were within my budget. This necklace, though, was way out of my league. Plus, we were getting divorced; my instinct was to refuse
“I love it!” Elissa shouted.
Elissa stopped me from returning it, flashing a rare, genuine smile at Christopher. “Thank you, Mr. Valence! You’re the most generous ex–husband in the world!”
1 choked on my own spit, glaring at Elissa. Could she not be so blunt
Christopher unclasped the necklace and moved behind me. “Let me help you put it on.”
“No, really, it’s fine,” I hesitated. My casual outfit didn’t match a $30 million necklace.
Ignoring my protest, Christopher gathered my hair to one side and fastened the necklace around my neck. The ruby’s color made my skin look even fairer. Christopher smiled. “It looks great on you.”
“To Mr. Valence!” Elissa raised her glass, clinking it with Christopher before downing her drink. She toasted him several more
times.
Later, after everyone had left and I was getting ready for bed, Elissa, half–asleep, poked my forehead and mumbled, “You’re an idiot.. It’s a waste if you don’t take it! Your divorce settlement is practically leaving you with nothing. Can’t you at least keep some gifts?”
“What do you mean, nothing? This house is worth millions,” I laughed.
“Can you easily sell this house? Dummy! Keep the jewelry. It can be porn to show off and sold if needed.”
Elissa continued, “This amount of money is nothing to him. Besides, f you don’t take it, someone else will. Why let them have it?”
By the end of dinner, Ivan and Elissa were both passed out on the couch. I chuckled, covering them with blankets.
Tlooked up and accidentally met Christopher’s gaze. He looked slightly tipsy, his eyes half–closed, slumped in his chair, a rare look
of defeat on his face.
I walked over and whispered, ‘Let me take you home.”
Christopher glanced at Cecil, who was cleaning up in the kitchen, and his voice came out hoarse. “We just finished dinner, and you’re kicking me out?”
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Chapter 28 The $30 Million Gift from My Ex
I couldn’t help but hear a hint of hurt.
I forced a smile, looking down at Christopher. If you don’t leave, call Evelyn.”
If Evelyn showed up and caused a scene, he wouldn’t be able to handle it.
Suddenly, Christopher wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, resting his forehead against my chest. His voice was rough. “Hope, I never wanted it to end like this, really.”
Christopher being like this made me almost sollen.
Just as I was about to speak, his phone rang on the table. The caller ID read Evelyn.”
It was like a bucket of cold water, snapping me back to reality, I pushed Christopher away. “Your phone’s ringing.”
Just then, Cecil walked out of the kitchen.
“Hope, I’ve cleaned up. I’ll take Ivan home now.”
“Ill see you out.”
I glanced at Christopher’s tall figure on the balcony, suppressing my irritation.
After getting Elissa into the bedroom, I helped Cecil carry the unconscious Ivan downstairs.
But Cecil didn’t let me do much of the lifting.
Cecil’s gentle face showed concern. Are you okay?”
was momentarily confused, then realized he had noticed my mood. shook my head. “I’m fine.”
After a moment of silence, just b
before the elevator doors opened, Cecil spoke. “Are you really divorcing Christopher?”
I lowered my eyes s and nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.”
*Think it through. Don’t regret it later,” Cecil advised softly.
“I won’t.” I answered seriously.
Since filing for divorce, I had asked myself repeatedly if I would regret it. The answer was always no.
Cecil nodded thoughtfully. Then, I can only give you my blessing.”
“Cecil,” I began as we walked to the parking lot, “how did you know what kind of food I like?”
She was my friend in college, but I don’t remember ever eating out with her.
“I treated you to meals a few times in college, remember?” Cecil chuckled.
“Huh?” I was puzzled, and then–i–remembered something.
“Was it that time I fainted from low blood sugar, and Christopher asked you guys to get me somthing to eat?”
Back then, I might have felt insecure about it. But now, I could only look back with gratitude.
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Billionaire’s Second Chance: Winning Her Back
