Chapter 9
As Scarlett hasked in the center of everyone’s attention. Adele couldn’t take it anymore.
She stood up and quietly headed for the stairs Halfway down, Scarlett’s voice Ralled out behind her.
“What’s wrong? Not touched by the grand farewell?” she teased.
“A candlelit dinner to mark the end of your love story–kind of poetic, isn’t it? Here, Something to remember it by”
She held out a few pictures. Adele glanced down.
In the photos, Byron stood in front of a sky filled with heart–shaped fireworks his arm casually slung around her shoulder. They looked… close.
But Adele noticed it instantly–he wasn’t looking at the camera.
He was looking at Scarlett.
She didn’t take the photos. Just looked at her, voice flat and tired.
“I already signed the divorce papers. I’m walking away. Why are you still doing this?”
Scarlett tilted her head, smile playful.
“Why not? I thought you’d be touched. But if it’s not your thing, fine. Game over. Not like there’ll be a next time.”
-She turned to leave, still grinning–And that’s when it happened.
A loud crack overhead. The chandelier above groaned and shifted.
Before either of them could move, it came crashing down.
Adele instinctively raised her arms to shield herself,and saw Byron sprinting toward her.
The fixture slammed into her back, shoulders, and wrist. She collapsed instantly, a scream tearing through her throat.
Tears poured down her face from the sheer shock of pain.
Through blurred vision, she saw Scarlett sobbing,but not for her.
She was clutching Byron, blood covering his arms from shielding the blow.
“Byron, why are you always like this? Why do you always come running the second I’m in danger? Why won’t you let go? Why do you keep choosing
me?”
Adele heard the words echoing in her head.She answered silently for him,because he loves you.
Everything dimmed. The pain dulled. The world faded.And then… nothing.
When Adele opened her eyes again, she was in a hospital room.
Scarlett was there, placing a sleek invitation card on the table.“Six days from now–you will be free. And also Byron’s birthday. I’m going to confess to him that day.”
She smiled. “He’s always loved me. This time, I’m finally going to say it back. He’s going to be thrilled.”
She glanced toward Adele.
“Byron has a minor concussion. I’ll be taking care of him while he recovers. If you’d like to spend time with him before your divorce is final, I can have you moved to the room next door.”
Adele shut her eyes. Her voice was calm. Barely audible.
“Not necessary. You’re the one he wants to see right now. And me? I don’t want to see him at all.”
— in Dronk a Heart The Love That Never Been Chosen
4.8%
Chapter 9
Scarlett nodded and left.
Over the next few days, Byron called a few times.
Left a couple of texts.
Adele never replied.
On the day she was discharged, she went straight to pick up the finalized diverse decree,
Back home, she placed the papers–both their signatures inked at the bottom to a small gift box. Neatly tied a satin ribbon around it.
Then she grabbed her suitcase, ready to leave Just as she was heading out the door, Byron walked in.
He froze when He saw her with luggage in hand.
“You’re leaving? It’s my birthday. I was just about to come get you for the party”
Adele didn’t look at him.
“Tve got a flight. Heading back home. It’s tonight.”
She picked up the box from the table and handed it to him.“Birthday gift. Hope you like it.”
A pause. Her voice dropped slightly. “I’ve gotta go. Happy birthday.”
She didn’t wait for a response.
Just walked out, flagged down a cab, and headed to the airport.
Byron stood there, staring at the door long after it closed.
His chest felt tight, like something was caving in.
For a second, he almost chased after her–Almost asked her to stay, skip the flight, come to the party.
But his phone buzzed.
Scarlett.
“Byron! Where are you? Everyone’s already here–the party’s starting! I worked so hard on this night for you. And I’ve got a surprise waiting. You’re gonna love it!”
He hesitated.Then let out a slow breath. And left. The gift box sat untouched in the backseat of his car.Still wrapped, without even opening it.
The party was packed. Laughter, champagne, people everywhere.
As soon as he stepped through the doors, Scarlett greeted him in full glamor, eyes shining.
“You came!“Byron smiled softly.
“Didn’t you say you had a surprise?”
Scarlett practically skipped to the front of the room, grabbing the mic.
Her voice rang out through the speakers
“Thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate Byron’s birthday. It’s a special day–and I have not one, but two announcements to make.”
“First, let’s congratulate Byron on his divorce. A new chapter begins!”
“And second…” She turned to him, beaming.
“I’m finally ready to say yes. Byron, you’ve loved me for so long, and I’ve been so foolish with your heart. But I’m done running. I want forever–with you.”
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
