บททั้งหมดของ Divorced And Out of His League: บทที่ 81 - บทที่ 90

Kayla’s POVThe morning felt heavier than it should. I woke up before my alarm, just staring at the ceiling for several minutes while my stomach made slow uneasy flips. My heart was beating in a soft but steady rhythm, like it already knew the day would demand more from me than just running.My mother knocked lightly on my door but did not wait for permission before coming in. She sat on the edge of my bed and placed her hand on my ankle through the duvet.“You are awake,” she observed.“Yeah,” I replied, dragging in a breath.She studied me for a few seconds. “You are nervous.”“I am not nervous,” I lied.She raised one brow. “Then why are you breathing like you just finished running two laps.”I forced a short laugh. “Fine. Maybe I am a little nervous.”She squeezed my ankle gently. “It is a fundraiser, Kayla. It is not a world champion

Kayla’s POV I sat in the back of my vehicle with my private investigator beside me, papers spread across the seat between us. The tinted windows made everything outside look dim, but inside felt heavy and loud, filled with nothing but our breathing and the rustle of documents. I folded my arms and waited, watching him closely as he flipped through his folder.“Explain it all again,” I said quietly. “From the beginning.”He nodded and adjusted his glasses before speaking. His voice was steady, like someone who had obviously done this a thousand times.“As you instructed, I began a full investigation on Vivian Ward. I traced every aspect of her public and private dealings. Her workplace, her sponsors, her partnerships, her daily routines and even her visits to Adrian.”Hearing Adrian’s name still created a strange tightening in my chest. I was the one who put him in jail, and I did not regret it,

Kayla’s POVThe moment the call ended with the commissioner, my heart jumped into my throat. I did not even bother to pick up my purse properly. I just grabbed my phone and rushed toward the door of Haylee’s penthouse. My breathing was uneven and my chest felt tight. I did not want to panic anyone but it was impossible to hide the urgency in my steps.“Kayla” Haylee called from behind. “What happened? Are you okay? You look pale”I forced myself to stop. I swallowed hard, forcing my expression into something calmer than what I felt inside.“I am fine” I lied. “I just got an urgent business call. A conference. Something with the shareholders. They need me back in Manhattan immediately. I am so sorry, Haylee”She blinked rapidly in surprise. “Right now? You are just going to leave now?”“Yes. I am so sorry. I really am” I said again. I leaned in and hugged her

Kayla’s POVSteven sat across from me in the lounge, his posture straight, his hands clasped loosely in front of him. The silence between us felt heavy, thicker than the air itself. I sat on the opposite couch, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my sleeve, my heart beating faster than it should.I did not know where to start. Or if I should start at all.The truth was, I felt guilty. Guilty for the way things stood between Steven and Ashton. Guilty for how I kept letting things linger without giving either of them clarity. Guilty for drinking myself into unconsciousness the night before. Guilty for surviving when others did not.Steven shifted slightly, his eyes scanning my face like he was trying to read what I refused to say.“How are you feeling?” he finally asked, breaking the silence.I opened my mouth to answer but hesitated. My throat tightened. I could already hear the lie forming. I was fine. I was tired. I just had too much to dr

Kayla’s POVThe restaurant was warm, filled with low music and quiet laughter, yet I felt cold inside. Ashton sat across from me, relaxed, one arm resting on the table, his attention fully on me. Anyone watching us would think we were fine. Comfortable. Happy, even.But my mind was not there.My phone lay beside my cup, screen dark. I had checked it again less than a minute ago, even though I knew nothing would have changed. No missed call. No message. Nothing from Steven.I wrapped my fingers around my mug, the heat biting into my skin, welcoming the sting because it gave me something else to focus on.“Ashton,” I said suddenly, then stopped.He lifted his gaze. “Yes?”I shook my head. “Nothing.”His eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, more in concern. “You’ve been staring at that phone like it owes you money.”I forced a small smile. “Do I?”