After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back

She almost wished the rumors about Gavin were true.

Dolly piped up, "How about I stay over tonight? Living by myself is so boring."

Jolie shook her head. "That might not work. My mom could show up later."

"What?" Dolly groaned, dragging out the word as she slumped dramatically against Jolie. "Then let me hug you for a little while longer. I won't get the chance once she's here!"

Jolie chuckled softly, but her thoughts began to drift. Those rumors... she'd never heard them before.

She had always been the obedient daughter of the Quin family. During her school years, her focus had been entirely on academics. Now, with more free time after graduation, she occasionally heard about society gossip through Dolly.

Her gaze turned toward the window. Her life really did feel like that of a meticulously kept songbird in a gilded cage. Before marriage, she was expected to bring benefits to her family. After marriage, she'd be expected to be the perfect wife and mother. As the night deepened, the cruise ship sailed steadily across the calm sea. Dolly lingered for a while longer before finally leaving.

Jolie sat at her vanity, carefully removing her makeup, when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, and her brows furrowed immediately.

a message from Gavin. He'd sent a

had told her

The third time.

didn't want to

gesture, Jolie flipped the phone face down and pretended not to see it. After removing her makeup,

drift off, a sudden knock at the door startled

before getting up to open it. Standing in the doorway was

"What

corridor light, his expression was unreadable. His tall figure moved forward, prompting Jolie to instinctively step back. Before she

Tugging at his tie with one hand, his movements were slow and deliberate, but there

instinctively stepped back, swallowing nervously. "I got caught up entertaining guests and

I sent you? Did you see it?" Gavin asked, advancing step by step. His chiseled face betrayed no emotion, but his dark eyes grew colder, a

now. "Gavin, I didn't go because I didn't want to.