ext m

e kind she hadn't worn in years. Rayan had never liked red. He'd been so controll

lieve she'd eve

standing tall and elegant, wrapped in bold, blazing color. The fabric hugged he

n unafraid to

axi and headed

t she would go to RK

all, on he

*

r, the silver tray in his hand

Hazel interrupted cal

woman he once knew was gone. In her place stood someo

yan?" she a

g breakfast,"

she came back down with her suitcase, Rayan

different. "I can forgive your recklessness this time, but don't repeat it. Go

So this was how little he thought of her. He trul

isunderstood. I'm not here to ask for fo

. Hazel met his gaze, her expression steady. "By the way, have you signed the pa

at her, struggling to comprehend that the woman who once r

d his head again, his

ore him was not the ti

re regal. The scarlet dress

iful, proud, and

fleeting instant, another i

blance wa

Evelyn. Evelyn had o

angerously. "Hazel Foster, that's enough nonsense! What

e. Marriage is built on mutual will. Love is a matter of choice. The la

word carried a quiet finalit

nding to enjoy every restaurant you take me to, knowing they were her favorites, not mine. I'm tired

in flickering in her eyes bef

tending not to notice how you close your eyes when yo

his authority flooding th

him, she no longer feared him. The strength that had always been

he start you were a replacement, didn't you? You knew who I loved, and still you married me. You chose

turned cold. "Because I finally realized

ckle. Hazel saw the red flare in his eyes-

to leave? Fine. You're not even w

uietly. "Because I'm done being the ghost of your fantasy. Your love, Rayan, is a d

e fire. "Shut your mouth! You don't deser

on the sofa. "You think I can't live wit

nch. Her eyes we

ourthouse is on your route to wor

tension between them so

the corner, watching quietly befor

ed. "You think divorce is that si

said firmly. "You don't have to

ster, do you even know yourself? You have no talent, no skill. Withou

t he truly th

vorced, we're strangers. My life or death has nothing to do with you. And

s--anger, maybe disbelief--but

arp click of heels ech

nd wearing that practiced mask of innocence. Her voice was

ou two talking about? I h

disdain. "If I said you

hadn't expected Hazel to strike bac

yan, I swear I didn't mean to interrupt. It's just...I've been dreaming about Evelyn lately. She

ession softened involuntarily. "You dr

y. "She said you haven't cha

was her death anniversary a few d

ver stop loving her. If you dream of Evelyn

laugh through her tears. "R

act. You two seem to enjoy each other's company plenty. Who knows how

e boomed like thunder

h. "Believe whatever you want. Can we finaliz

he could finally take Hazel's place--but Rayan s

"before she died, my sister's only wish was for you to be h

via. My divorce has nothing to do wi

why is she talking to me like t

o his arms. "Don't be afraid. She'

roke what little res

my sister was the best thing that ever happened to you. Otherwise, yo

do you want to take my place that badly? You'

and on the table. "You want a divorce

almost triumphant. "You s

behind her, she walked

n his stride, while Olivia hurr