Home / Romance Short Story / More Than A Gesture / Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

All Chapters of More Than A Gesture: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

9 Chapters

Chapter 1

I felt nothing as I watched Violet Miller toss the glass I had just touched straight into the trash.“I’ve already disinfected the pen, Violet. You can sign the papers now.”Violet walked right past me toward the study, as if she hadn’t heard a word I’d said.She thought I was just being childish and chose to ignore it until it blew over.This time, I meant it.I stepped in front of her and blocked the doorway.“Look, John… It was just a bowl of shrimp. I’ve already explained it to you.“Daniel hurt his hand a couple of days ago, and the doctor said he shouldn’t get it wet—so I helped him, that’s all.“Besides, I’ve got an important seminar coming up. I don’t have time to indulge in your silly tantrums.”Still, I stood my ground, refusing to budge.After a long pause, Violet let out a soft sigh.“I promise I’ll be more careful next time, okay? Can you let it go now?”As soon as the words left her mouth, someone scoffed outside the door.It was Daniel Webster.Even without

Chapter 2

At the lunch gathering earlier, not only did Violet peel shrimp for Daniel, she even shared a bowl with him.Only then did I realize the truth: Violet’s so-called obsession with cleanliness was selective, and sadly, I wasn’t on the list of people she made exceptions for.I had spent ten years trying to warm a heart that never thawed for me.So… Why not let go and set us both free?…Violet and Daniel had barely left when my phone rang.“Mr. Sargent, you’re the primary funder of this research project. Are you sure you won’t be attending the seminar today?”The image of Daniel’s smug expression as he walked out surfaced again in my mind, and I smiled sadly.“I’ll be there.”Violet had earned a reputation as a medical prodigy, particularly celebrated for her breakthroughs in anti-cancer drug research. She was admired and well respected.What she didn’t know, however, was that every one of her projects required massive financial support.Without that backing, even a prodigy wo

Chapter 3

Violet’s expression turned especially dark.“No wonder you picked a fight today and insisted on a divorce. Turns out you’ve hooked up with some skank.“You disgust me.”…I pressed my tongue against the side of my face where she had slapped me.All it took was one careless insult from Daniel, and Violet didn’t hesitate to strike me in front of everyone.She had never truly loved me.When I didn’t respond, she assumed I was guilty.Right in front of me, she reached out and took Daniel’s hand. Their hands intertwined.I pulled out my phone and snapped several photos of them together.“What are you doing?” she demanded.“I’ll have my lawyer send you another copy of the divorce agreement. If you still refuse to sign, I’ll file a lawsuit,” I said calmly.“And since you’re the one at fault, don’t expect a penny from me.”Violet stared at me for a long time. Then, overwhelmed by rage, she let out a scornful laugh.“Don’t you dare try to threaten me with your filthy money.“Let

Chapter 4

Just then, a sharply dressed man strode up to me and took my hand.“Good evening, President Sargent. I’m Emille Forest, the head of the research institute and organizer of this symposium,” he said.“We’ve been waiting so long for your arrival—it simply wouldn’t mean anything today without you here.”…After ushering me inside, Emille was quickly called away by another staff member.I had no choice but to walk into the conference hall alone.But before I could reach my seat, Daniel stepped out to block my path.“You followed us in? Don’t tell me you plan on sitting here—can you even understand what’s being discussed?“And you do realize that this is an invite-only event, right? Do you have an invitation? Better watch out or the security guards might toss you out.”He smiled as he spoke, but his eyes gleamed with hostility.I looked at him calmly.“This doesn’t concern you. Move.”Not wanting to waste another second looking at Daniel’s smug, self-satisfied face, I stepped pas

Chapter 5

Emille’s words brought the entire hall to a standstill once again.Just moments ago, the security guards had been full of bluster—now, they looked like they’d seen ghosts as they apologized to me.Both Violet and Daniel looked like they'd swallowed poison.As she faced Emille, Violet forced a smile so stiff it looked more like a grimace.“Director Forest, there must be some mistake. How could John possibly be our research institute’s largest shareholder? He just runs a small company—barely more than a startup.”Daniel quickly chimed in beside her, trying to back her up, “Exactly, Director. These days, there are all kinds of professional con artists running around pretending to be someone they're not. You really can’t be too careful.”“Shut your mouth! Who permitted you to speak?” Emille shot Daniel a venomous glare, then turned to Violet.“Professor, there’s been no mistake. President Sargent is indeed the largest shareholder in our institute. Every single one of your research p

Chapter 6

In that moment, a rare sense of calm washed over me—body and mind finally at ease. And, inevitably, my thoughts drifted back to the memories I had with Violet.I first met her at our university’s opening ceremony.She stood onstage as the freshman representative, delivering a speech.To this day, I still vividly remember her in that white dress, her long ponytail tied high.Before a crowd of more than ten thousand students and faculty, she showed no trace of nervousness. On the contrary, she radiated confidence and poise.She was so articulate and inspiring that the entire auditorium erupted in applause.Someone had asked her about her standards for a partner, and she had said, “Someone who can walk in success beside me.”Those words became the goal I pursued relentlessly for years.Today, in the business world, people speak to me with respect and deference, calling me “President Sargent”, but in her eyes, I was still that nouveau riche man, crass and vulgar, forever unwort

Chapter 7

"I never expected you to beg. To me, cheating isn’t defined by flesh or feeling—it's all betrayal."Dragging things out like this was never your style, Violet."Tension thickened the air between us, the silence almost suffocating.Just then, the door swung open, and Daniel stepped into the room carrying Violet’s breakfast.When his gaze landed on the divorce papers on the table, a flicker of delight flashed across his eyes, but he masked it quickly. Then he saw the anger written all over Violet’s face, and immediately stepped protectively in front as he glared at me with feigned outrage.“Can’t you have a civil conversation? The Professor is still recovering. How could you upset her like this?“Even if you are the biggest shareholder of the institute, she’s still your wife, isn’t she?”I nodded. “You're right. Legally, your Professor is still my wife.“So if you’re hoping to take my place, you’d better convince her to sign that agreement. Otherwise, you’ll always be nothing m

Chapter 8

For some reason, Violet started calling me nonstop from different phone numbers. The number of times she tried to reach me already exceeded the total from the past five years combined.I couldn’t take it anymore. Frustrated, I finally answered.“Violet, what do you want from me?” I asked coldly. “I told you, if you're unhappy with any of the terms in the divorce agreement, speak to my lawyer.”There was a pause on the other end. Then she ignored the irritation in my tone entirely and asked, calmly, “Have you seen my white suit? I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find it.”That pushed me over the edge.“Why the hell are you asking me about your clothes?” I snapped. “Have you forgotten how you never even let me touch any of your things?”“I’m sorry, John. It wasn’t until after you left that I realized how cruel I’ve been to you all these years. Please… let’s not fight anymore, okay? I promise I’ll change. For you.“If you don’t like Daniel, I’ll have him transferred to anoth

Chapter 9

"I’ve already had Daniel reassigned. He won’t be in our lives anymore."“Oh? Is that so?” I asked curiously as I pointed behind her.“Then who is that?”Violet spun around sharply and saw Daniel storming toward us, his face ashen with anger.She frowned as she looked at him.“What are you doing here?” she demanded.Daniel shot me a glare, his tone brimming with frustration. “Professor, did you transfer me out because of him?“He’s divorcing you, and you’re still hung up on him? Is it just because he’s got some money?”Then, without warning, he strode forward and grabbed my collar.“You must feel pretty proud of yourself right now, John!” he shouted.“But I’ll tell you— Professor loves me, not you. She’s just not used to your absence yet.”Before I could react, Violet yanked him back.“Are you out of your mind? John is my husband! “Who do you think you are? If it weren’t for your talent in research, do you really think I’d give you the time of day?“If you dare to stir up

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