005

Gerald’s POV

Weeks passed, and I’d be lying to myself if I said I didn’t expect to receive a message from Calista. A message of any form.

But no.

No calls. No texts. No fucking letters. Nothing.

It was like she ceased to exist, and I knew better than to ask her mother, especially when I wanted to keep her safe from Ophelia.

I suppose she decided to completely disappear from my life to save herself the embarrassment and get the hell out of her.

Anyone in her shoes would’ve done the same thing after I literally threw the divorce papers in her face, which was equally a slap to her face.

But like I said before… she was safe. I could get through this after all. Besides, if we were still together our marriage would’ve come to an end by now.

Three years together, and we had nothing to show for it. Absolutely nothing.

I shoved the thought to the back of my mind as I made myself a glass of orange juice. It was the weekend, which meant I could rest a bit—though I could still rest within the week as the company was mine. But currently, work was the only thing taking my mind off Calista, so skipping it wasn’t exactly something I’d do willingly.

Unless, I really needed the rest. Like now for example.

I lifted the orange juice in my hand, tipping it over my mouth and gulping it down in seconds, letting the taste settle in my mouth.

It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t particularly good either—good like Calista’s. It had the usual citrusy taste, slightly sweet with mild tanginess, but nothing about it stood out.

I dropped the glass back on the counter, thinking about how refreshing the one Calista used to make was, and how it bursted with the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang. Even the natural pulp added a soft texture that made it feel home made, while mine just floated around in uneven clumps.

I loved those orange juices so much, even though she only made them once in a while. Which was why I’d come to the kitchen to make them in the first place…

I missed her. So much.

I slammed the cupboard harder than usual, after I had dropped the now clean glass back in the cupboard.

I was relieved that she was safer now wherever she was, but fuck I missed her. This place felt so empty without her, and I didn’t think I could take it anymore.

I didn’t like this at all.

My routine felt empty, and no one anticipated my needs like she did. There was no one to play random games with and do things I know I’ll never do on a normal day. The absence of her presence is a lot louder than I had expected.

And it bothered me so damn much.

I heard the soft thud of footsteps approaching the kitchen, and I didn’t bother looking to see who it was. The housekeeper had already left, which meant it could only be one person.

“Oh my God, what was that?” Ophelia rushed through my side, her tone etched with fake concern. “Did you hit something? Are you hurt?” Her arms roamed my body and I felt my jaw tighten.

“Don’t touch me.” I growled out, and the bitch of a human doesn’t even flinch, though I caught how her features hardened a bit before softening again.

“There there,” she cooed, rubbing my arm gently. “You’re just having another temper tantrum—”

The words were barely out of her mouth before I grabbed her hand, the hand she’d dared to touch me with. “I said not to touch me.” I gritted out, squeezing harder with the intent to crush her bones. “Why is it so hard for you to listen?”

“If this is about your pathetic little wife, then—”

“This is about her.” I ground out, shoving her hard enough that she stumbled back onto the floor.

Ophelia looked up at me in shock before a slow mocking smile spread across her lips.

“Aww,” she cooed. “Look at you finally growing a spine.”

My jaw tightened violently. “Thanks to you, she’s gone.” I spat out. “So if I were you, I’d stay the hell out of my sight, do you hear me?”

Instead of looking intimidated, Ophelia laughed softly as she rose to her feet, inching closer. “And what are you going to do if I don’t?”

I stared down at her with narrowed eyes as I fought the urge to grab her neck and watch that devious light leave her eyes. “Don’t push me.”

“Or what?” She challenged, tilting her head. “You’ll hurt me? Scream at me? Run around the city looking for that little contract wife of yours?”

The second she mentioned Calista, something twisted in my chest, and realization dawned on me.

Ophelia noticed immediately, and her smile widened. “There it is,” she whispered, her voice oozing with satisfaction as her gaze flicked over my face. “That look.”

She knew where Calista was.

“Where is she?” I demanded coldly.

“Careful,” she warned lightly. “You’re sounding awfully concerned for a woman who you just divorced.”

My patience snapped, and I grabbed her hand roughly. “Where the fuck is Calista?”

The woman barely even flinched.

I hated that we were once together. I hated the fact that she knew me so well, and what my strengths and weaknesses are, and that I wasn’t the type to ever lay hands on a woman.

And now she’s using that against me.

She reached for my face unbothered by the anger burning through my veins. “I’m sorry darling, but I can’t tell you that.”

Blinding rage surged through me, as I tightened my grip. “Stop playing games with me, woman.”

A sinister laugh echoed through the room, as her chest rumbled with her laughter causing my jaw to tick. “You really think I’m playing games with you, when I’ve barely even started?”

My pulse faltered, the grip on her hand loosening before I tightened it again. But Ophelia would notice any slip up, she literally made it clear that she was back to torment my life. “Just know that I know where she is, and I can still ruin her whenever I want. So you better watch the way you speak to me.”

My grip tightened dangerously, but Ophelia only glared back at me. “You said you were going to leave her alone after I divorce her. So what is all this nonsense?”

She raised a brow. “Try me and find out.”

Then, she walked away, leaving me alone in the kitchen to deal with the lingering weight of my anger.

There was a chance this could be a bluff, but then again, I knew not to underestimate Ophelia.