He Left Me to Freeze, So I Burned His World Down Chapter 22

He Left Me to Freeze, So I Burned His World Down Chapter 22

Graham’s ruin came faster and more thoroughly than he could have imagined.

The foundation’s removal notice was still a burning slap across his face when the next blow landed.

It was an exquisite invitation, printed on thick ivory cardstock. Two names were entwined in elegant gold foil: Ava Hart and Bennett Shaw.

The wedding was next week, at St. Stephen’s, the oldest church in Middleburg.

So that was it.

Bennett Shaw.

Every strike against him originated there.

Graham stared at the invitation as if it were a death sentence. He finally understood. This wasn’t Ava throwing a tantrum. This wasn’t a tactic to force him to compromise.

This was a purge.

He had apologized. For the boathouse. For Piper. For everything.

Was it still not enough?

That night, rain poured over Virginia.

Graham’s car stopped on the road outside the Hart estate. He didn’t take an umbrella. He let the cold rain soak his suit as he walked, step by step, to the door he had entered a thousand times before.

Rainwater streamed from his hair, blurring his vision.

The housekeeper opened the door. She showed no surprise, only a formal chill.

“Mr. Lockwood, Mrs. Hart does not wish to see you.”

The door closed.

Graham didn’t leave. He stood in the shadows under the eaves, a stone statue in the rain.

The housekeeper came out twice more. Each time, she repeated the same words before retreating.

In the end, Ava’s mother couldn’t bear it.

“Ava, just see him,” she said softly, setting down her teacup. “Make everything clear. If this drags on, I’m afraid he’ll do something irrational at the wedding. That wouldn’t be good for you or for Bennett.”

Ava was silent for a long time.

Her mother was right. This wasn’t about being soft. It was risk management.

At last, she nodded and had Graham brought in.

He was soaked through, his hair plastered to his forehead. Water dripped from his trousers, leaving a trail of dirty marks on the mirror-polished marble floor. He took two steps forward, about to speak.

But Ava didn’t look at him. Her gaze landed on the mess at his feet.

She frowned slightly and turned to the housekeeper.

“Wipe this up.”