Chapter 6
Garrett still didn’t come home–not even by noon the next day.”
I placed the signed divorce papers on the dining table and set up a timed email with a recording attached, addressed to Garrett. Once everything was in order, I picked up my suitcase and headed for the airport.
The moment I reached the terminal, my phone rang. Garrett’s name lit up the screen.”
“I’m sorry, Renee,” he said, sounding harried. “A few business partners showed up unexpectedly. We’re discussing next season’s clothing line, and I just can’t get away right now.“%
I’ve asked my assistant to take you to the hotel. Remember how you always wanted me to design a dress for you? I finally made one. You’ll look beautiful in it–I just
know it.“2
“Okay,” I replied quietly.
After the call ended, my gaze drifted to two girls nearby. They were huddled over a phone, scrolling through photos, their voices bubbling with envy.
“Oh my god, I can’t believe Mr. Morgan is not only gorgeous but also designs the most stunning maternity dresses. Makes me almost wish I were pregnant,” one gushed.%
“Like being pregnant is all it takes to get one?” the other scoffed. “Every single outfit in today’s fashion show was custom–made by Mr. Morgan for his pregnant wife. Each is one–of–a-kind, using only the most luxurious fabrics. There must be hundreds of them–she’ll never wear them all before the baby arrives. I’m so jealous.“2
“I heard Mr. Morgan wanted the show private so his wife wouldn’t be bothered by the crowd. Lucky you–your boyfriend works as a manager at The Morgan Group, or we’d never get these insider photos.“%
On the screen, Tania hung on Garrett’s arm, weaving through the exclusive couture he’d designed just for her, her laughter bright and carefree.”
The Morgan Group was a powerhouse in the fashion world, and Garrett’s talent as a designer was unmatched. I remembered how I used to tease him, begging for a dress of my own. He always said he was too busy–there just wasn’t time.}
But for Tania, he’d created hundreds.”
Thinking back to his call just now–how he tried to surprise me with a single dress, his tone almost seeking praise–the irony stung.
Boarding was announced. I turned off my phone and stepped onto a flight bound for a new country, leaving it all behind.”
-8
After helping Tania pick out her dress, Garrett headed to the hotel where the birthday party was to be held. He pictured Renee arriving in the gown he’d designed, radiant as an angel.
But Renee never appeared.%
Instead, his assistant rushed in, face pale and anxious.”
“Mr. Morgan, I’m afraid there’s a problem–your wife is gone.“>
Garrett’s eyes fell on the dress he’d sent for Renee, returned untouched.
He frowned, not understanding. “What do you mean, gone? She’s not at home?“%
The assistant hesitated, then handed Garrett the divorce papers. “It’s more than that, sir…”
Garrett froze, staring at the document in disbelief.”
Before he could speak, Tania approached, one hand resting on her pregnant belly. She caught sight of the papers and let out a sharp, dismissive laugh.
“Oh, Renee Diaz is such a drama queen. Isn’t she a little old for this kind of breakup scene? Who does she think she is a teenager?”
“She’s just upset you took my side yesterday, Tania continued, voice syrupy with scorn. “She knows you planned this birthday party for her, so she’s trying to play hard to get make you come crawling. Renee’s always been like this, stringing men along. Trust me, I know her better than anyone.”
“She was the one who hit me first, and now she’s sulking? Unbelievable. You went through all this trouble to organize her party and design her a dress, and this is how she repays you? She’s heartless.“%
“Don’t worry, Garrett. Ignore her, and she’ll come crawling back soon enough. She’s almost thirty, can’t have children after all those miscarriages–who would want her if you let her go? She’s desperate to hang onto you. Pathetic, really.“%
But Garrett said nothing. He just stared at the divorce agreement, his mind reeling.%