The Dice Said Divorce, but He Thought I’d Stay Chapter 07

The Dice Said Divorce, but He Thought I’d Stay Chapter 07

“Audrey, watch out!”

Julian Hayes grabbed my hand and pulled me against him. A car shot past, close enough to clip my arm.

“Sorry — I wasn’t paying attention.” I looked up without thinking.

His eyes caught mine — warm, steady, disarming. “It’s okay.”

He moved me to the side farthest from traffic and let go of my hand. He didn’t ask why I looked so wrecked. He chose his next words carefully.

“I know our grandfathers arranged this. But if you don’t want it, I won’t push. I’ll talk to them myself.”

Julian’s grandfather and mine had been close for decades. We’d known each other since we were little.

He’d spent all his free time lately showing me around, helping me settle back in.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves overhead, bright enough to make me squint. I didn’t know what to say.

I didn’t hate him. I didn’t love him either.

My grandfather had chosen him, and we’d known each other since childhood. By any standard, he was a good man.

But I wasn’t ready to rush into another marriage.

When I didn’t answer, Julian took my hand and held my gaze. He was beautiful up close — the kind of face that made it hard to think straight.

“If you don’t hate me… then choose me.”

“I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. When I found out you married someone else—”

“I thought that was the end of it for me.” He caught himself, jaw tight.

He took a breath. “Just give me a chance. Okay?”

I had no idea he felt that way. The confession hit me like a wave, and I didn’t know what to do with any of it.

He backpedaled fast. “I’m not trying to pressure you — we can, uh, go on a date first… no, wait — friends. We’ll be friends.”

Before I could answer, someone yanked Julian backward.

Harrison — the man I thought I’d never see again — forced himself between us, eyes dark with fury.

“Who the hell is this guy? Why is he all over you?”

His voice was raw — shaking with something between rage and jealousy. His eyes narrowed under his heavy brow, and the intensity rolling off him could pin a person to the spot.

In the past, that look would’ve made me fold. Now it just made me tired.

Julian had already wrenched free, his face tight with anger. “So you’re the ex.”

“You’re divorced. Walk away.”

Every trace of the soft, nervous boy from a moment ago was gone.

“Why are you still bothering her? You don’t know a damn thing.”

“She’s my wife!” Harrison grabbed Julian by the collar, fist drawn back.

Julian didn’t swing back. He just looked at me.

“See? Violent. Unhinged. I’d never treat you like that.”