Chapter 11

"Where did you even get this report?" Aurelia frowned, trying to pull her hand back, but Finnian's grip was vice-like. She didn't stand a chance.

"The hospital called me - right after we finalized the divorce," Finnian said, looking into her eyes, searching for even a flicker of the affection he used to see there.

But it was gone.

She'd changed, even the way she looked at him was completely different now.

His chest tightened uncomfortably - he hated this suffocating feeling.

"Aurelia, what's the point of all this? I told you, playing games doesn't work on me. You went above and beyond to drag the hospital into your act, then you ghosted me? Seriously? You actually think I'd come crawling back?"

Aurelia stared at him like she was trying to figure out if he'd completely lost it. Then she actually laughed, though it was hardly amused. "Finnian, did you fall and hit your head the past two months? If you're sick, go see a doctor. But don't come bothering me."

She yanked her hand again - no use. So she stomped on his foot. Hard.

Her stiletto heel dug in mercilessly. She didn't hold back.

Finnian grunted in pain, brows twisting, and his expression darkened instantly.

Taking full advantage, Aurelia freed her hand and turned to leave.

"Aurelia, don't you dare walk away from me!" Finnian stormed after her, grabbing her wrist and yanking her back hard -

Her heel wobbled, nearly twisting her ankle. She steadied herself, just barely, before snapping, "What the hell is wrong with you, Finnian?!"

"There is something wrong. I must be out of my damn mind to look at that report and still believe it's real when I know what kind of person you are!" His eyes were bloodshot, his voice rough. "Just tell me - is this report legit or not?"

"And you'd believe whatever I say?" Aurelia scoffed, staring at his reddened eyes with disbelief. "Mr. Dawson, did you forget? I'm the 'liar,' remember?"

"I don't care. I want to hear it straight from you. Is it real, or is it fake?"

Aurelia frowned, watching him intently.

She didn't get it. What was the point of pressing her for an answer?

Did he actually care if she was okay?

If he'd cared, why did he always treat her like an afterthought before they split?

And now, after everything, even if he suddenly did care - so what?

Too late. Way too late.

"Finnian, we're done. My life's none of your business anymore." She didn't see why she owed him any explanation.

Only, to Finnian, that sounded exactly like she was running away from the truth.

Two months of missing her had already driven him to the edge.

And now that she was here, right in front of him, he realized something - more than anything, what he needed was for her to look him in the eye and say that the report was bogus.

Finnian stared into her calm, emotionless gaze and took a deep breath, forcing himself to hold it together.

"Come with me," he said, reaching for her again.

Aurelia pulled away firmly. "Finnian, we're divorced. Why on earth would I go with you?"

Her rejection made him freeze on the spot.

She met his eyes squarely - and there was nothing there now. No affection. Not even the tiniest hint of warmth.

The panic crept back in. Finnian swallowed hard, his voice softening unconsciously.

"I just want to take you to the hospital. For a check-up."

That stopped her. For a second, she was caught off guard. But then her face went cold again.

"I don't need one. I'm fine."

She hadn't planned on giving him that explanation. But the way things were going... maybe clearing it up was the smart move.

"Finnian, if you're doing all this out of pity or guilt over my so-called illness, stop. It's not needed."

Her tone was calm but serious. "I'm not messing with you. I'm genuinely fine. The hospital messed up the diagnosis. If that's been messing with your head, fine - I'll apologize. Happy now?"