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‘What if this is the last time I ever see her?’

Desperation finally cracked his restraint.

His heart pounded as he blurted out—

Chapter 6 A Killer

“Grandpa came home.”

Krystal stopped in her tracks.

Lorenzo’s hands gripped the edge of his car’s hood, knuckles white. His breathing slowed, his body steadying, as her head slowly turned back toward him.

He walked toward her, voice lower now, more serious.

“He doesn’t know about the divorce,” he said. “He’s throwing a retirement party. He wants you there—with me.”

Krystal’s brows pinched together. She stared at him like he’d lost his mind.

“We’re already divorced. It’s not right to keep showing up at parties as your wife.”

His body stiffened. Her words sliced straight through him.

“Why haven’t you told Mr. Moretti about the divorce?” she asked, staring at him.

The color drained from his face. Shock hit him so hard, she instinctively took a step back.

“You’re calling GrandpaMr. Morettinow?” he growled, stalking toward her. His jaw clenched tight. “You’ve moved on that fucking fast?”

She stayed quiet.

He exhaled sharply through his nose, trying to steady himself. “Grandpa doesn’t know about the divorce yet. And this party—it’s everything to him. He’s been building this company for decades. I’m not ruining that moment for him with a divorce announcement.”

He took another step, looking her square in the eyes.

“I need you to come with me and pretend like we’re fine. Just for him. That’s all I’m asking.”

Krystal’s patience was unraveling. Her voice grew sharper.

“Why do I have to keep doing what you say? Just because I had feelings for you, you think you can use me whenever you want?”

“Krystal!” he snapped.

His tone hit hard, laced with anger. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths before speaking again with grim certainty.

“We’re not divorced. Not officially. You signed the papers, but they haven’t been filed in court. Until then, you're still my wife. You still have responsibilities.”

Her fists clenched at her sides. Her thoughts swirled in disbelief.

‘How can this man be so damn infuriating?’ Her mind reeled. ‘So I’m supposed to keep being his wife until some court finally hands me a damn piece of paper?

Lorenzo reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black card, extending it to her.

“No limit,” he said. “Use it for whatever you need.”

He pressed the card into her palm and gripped her hand tightly before she could pull away.

“Unblock my number,” he ordered. “I’ll pick you up in two days. And if I call, you better answer.”