Page 331 of Now and Forever

CALLUM

It had been two weeks since I had last seen her. I knew she had moved to Hyde Park Gardens because her funds wouldn’t be released unless I signed the agreement. Before I had done that, I asked to see the place she wanted to buy and also asked for my own copy of the house keys.

It was her first time living alone. I wasn’t convinced that it was a bright idea, knowing she was a woman who was dating. Stella demanded I set her free and I had done just that, but now she wanted a divorce? That was unlikely.

I let myself into her home and waited for her. After an hour and a half, I was getting impatient. It was almost one in the morning, on a Tuesday; where the hell was she?

My body froze when I heard the faint sound of the keys jiggling… and laughter. Her laughter along with another man.

Brilliant. Just want I needed, another fight.

Their laughter ended when they spotted me, standing there, brooding as I awaited her return.

The man spat out, furious. “Who the fuck are you?”

“Her husband,” I causally said, looking at Stella.

Her date spun around to face the shocked Stella. “You’re married? Are you fucking kidding me, Stella?”

She opened her mouth, hating me on sight. “William, it’s not what you think. I’m getting divorced soon.”

“Fuck!” William frowned as he gazed at me then at Stella. “Well, call me when this whole thing is over. The next time I kiss you, I want you to be a free woman. Single.” He sagged a bit before we watched him retreat, letting himself out of the flat.

So the bloke’s name was William. He’s number what now? Fifteen? Twenty? She was bent on spreading herself around. Each man she dated was fucking with my brain. Throw this whole divorce fiasco in, so that she could freely do as she pleased, and it wasn’t happening for me at all. My mind wouldn’t allow the possibility to exist. She wasn’t divorcing me until she was twenty-six. That was the agreement and I was sticking to it.

“How many William’s are there going to be in your life, Stella? Haven’t had your fill of fun yet? Either way, you’re going to be married to me for four more years.”

She tensed, flashing her eyes at me, breasts heaving. “I’m going to contest it. I want to have full financial control of my assets. It would be best for the both of us. We will be free of each other.”

Stella was challenging me to the point where I usually became ruthless, something I had vowed not to do when it came to her. “You could try, but I’m telling you now, you won’t win against me.” I paused, letting my words sink in. “Besides, that’s not what Richard wanted.”

“I know, but he’s not here to see how miserable I am! I’m all fucking alone!”

That wasn’t true. “You have me.”

“I don’t want you, Callum. So stop acting all chivalrous. I’m sick of everything. I want a new beginning.”

She was throwing everything back in my face, but I was ready to compromise so that I could have her back in my life. “Let me take care of you. I made a—”

“You vowed, you promised my brother that you would. I KNOW!”

“Stella.” I moved towards her, but she raised her hand, making me stop.

“No! I want a new life. Maybe someone new. Heck, maybe I could get married again and have lots of children then maybe I wouldn’t be alone anymore.”

“You’re married to me. Do you hear me? You’re married to me.” I pressed her against the wall with no chance of escape.

It was make or break from here.

“Did you… did he—William—did you guys go any further other than kissing?”

“Why? If I told you I did, what would you do, Callum?”

She was goading me. “Did you?” She was the master of avoiding direct questions. I loathed it.

“Like I would tell you. What’s the difference? From where I’m standing, I’m not obligated to answer anything.”

I growled. “Damn you. Stop torturing me.”

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