Chasing His Rejected Wife
Chapter 58 -

Jessica

I realized how my request sounded the minute it left my mouth and Aiden's brows rose in surprise, probably wondering why I was asking him out on a date all of a sudden. He studied me, and I could see the unasked questions in his eyes and I hastened to clarify.

"Umm, I mean the weather looks nice outside, and I've never really been to Austin before, so I thought rather than order in, I could go out to grab a bite and do a bit of exploring. And if you would like to come with me."

He turned to glance outside, and I continued, "It's alright if you can't, you obviously have a lot to do, I can go on my own."

At this, he turned from the window and scrutinized me, his lips pressed together. "I'll go with you."

I felt guilty for dragging him along since it was obvious, he didn't seem particularly keen on leaving the room. "Um...maybe you should try getting some rest while I go instead? You look like you haven't slept properly for a while, a little rest should help with that. I can pick up something for you to eat or you can order from the kitchen. I'll be fine, I promise I'll keep you updated on my movements."

I had already begun backing away as I rambled on, intent on getting to the door, but Aiden took several steps forward and grabbed my wrist, yanking me back towards him. Stunned, I lost my balance and stumbled towards him, barely avoiding a collision with his body.

"What...what are you doing?" I demanded in a panic, blinking to dislodge strands of my hair that had fallen into my eyes.

His eyes, now a stormy blue, scrutinized me for a moment before his hold loosened and I was free. "You weren't watching where you were going," He said, jerking his head at a spot behind me. "You were about to trip over that end table." I turned to look and sure enough, there it was. If he hadn't pulled me back, I would have banged my shin against the square edge and possibly fallen over. "Oh...I didn't notice that there before," I said and turned to shoot him a grateful look. "Thanks."

He merely nodded and stepped back towards his converted worktable. I thought he was going back to his work, but he merely picked up his wallet and the room keycard, shoving both in the pockets of his pants. He walked past me, who stood there, gaping at him, and simply said. "Let's go."

I pulled myself together and followed him out and into the elevator.

The reception manager greeted us as we passed by, and Aiden stopped to ask for restaurant recommendations. The lady began reeling off a list of what had to be higher-end and exclusive places, but I wasn't in the mood for fancy.

I was craving something hot, greasy, and generally bad for my health.

"Any fast food places nearby?" I chimed in, ignoring the look Aiden gave me. "Somewhere with really good cheeseburgers and fries?"

The woman looked nonplussed as she replied. "There's a Reese a block from here, and I think a Wendy's is somewhere around too, though I don't know how close it is. Shall I call for a vehicle?"

"No, that's not necessary," I replied and thanked her.

"Are you sure you want to walk?" Aiden asked once we were outside. I stopped to take in the scene, my head tilted up to let the warm air flow over my skin, but at his words, I straightened and nodded firmly.

"I do. I've been cooped up all day in the plane and the suite and I just need to stretch my legs." I replied, then couldn't help teasing, "Or are you averse to walking?"

He raised an eyebrow in reply, a corner of his mouth lifted in an almost smile. "Not at all. Come on, I think the restaurant is this way."

We walked in companionable silence, stopping once to ask a passerby for directions. The streets were busy, with heavy traffic, and the sidewalks dense with pedestrians striding along on their merry way. Austin had a similar vibe to downtown New York, though it was a bit less overwhelming. Aiden walked slightly in front of me, using his height and bulk to shield me from bumping into oncoming foot traffic. I pretended not to notice.

It felt weird; the two of us out on a casual stroll, something we had never done before. Maybe it was the normalcy of the whole thing, but it felt rather ironic that the first time we did something like this was when we were no longer a couple. I pushed those depressing thoughts to the back of my mind, determined to enjoy one day without wallowing in self-pity.

"I think that's it up ahead." Aiden pointed at a familiar building that bore the restaurant's logo. We entered the building and I took a moment to sniff appreciatively at the smell of greasy, comfort food. I ordered a cheeseburger with a large side of fries and a large Coke, ignoring the concerned look Aiden shot my way.

"Pregnancy cravings," I informed him, silently daring him to say a word in complaint. By now, I was ravenous, the long walk and the smell of food had shot my hunger meter to empty. He simply nodded and drew out his wallet to pay for our food while I found us seats. The place was nearly empty, with only a handful of customers so it was easy to replace a good spot to sit.

I hastily unwrapped my food and took a big bite, unable to resist the moan that slipped out as my taste buds with flavor and my eyes fluttered shut in ecstasy.

Aiden's amused chuckle had me opening my eyes. He was watching me, amused with a lopsided grin on his lips. "That good huh?"

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With my mouth full, I smiled and nodded. He'd ordered a regular burger with a side salad and was eating more sedately. I motioned to his meal and cocked my head in silent query.

"It's fine," He answered with a shrug and I noticed he was mainly eating the salad and had barely touched his burger. Then I remembered how much of a picky eater he was.

"You don't have to eat that," I told him, feeling slightly guilty for dragging him to this place. "You can order something better back at the hotel."

He glanced at me and shook his head. "This is fine."

I wanted to roll my eyes at his insistence on 'fine', but I restrained myself and concentrated on my food.

"Did you get the papers?" Aiden suddenly asked. I paused mid-chew, my pulse picking up slightly.

So, he was finally bringing it up, right? Couldn't he have waited for me to enjoy my meal first?

I took my time giving a reply. I set down the burger and wiped my hands and mouth with a paper napkin first before I nodded. "My lawyer called me this morning. She said everything is in order and the divorce has been finalized." He'd assumed his usual implacable expression, so I couldn't tell what was going through his mind. "I see. So, it's official, then?"

"Congratulations to us!" I said, with fake enthusiasm. I added with a tinge of bitterness, "I guess all that's left is for us to tell the family, your grandmother will be very pleased to finally be rid of me."

Aiden's only reaction to that was to watch me, his eyes intent and unwavering. I looked away after a while, too disconcerted to hold his gaze. Instead, I watched with envious eyes, a young couple who had just come in, holding hands as they giggled and smiled while placing their orders.

"She'll be the only one." I thought I heard Aiden murmur, pulling my attention from the couple.

"Huh?" I asked, not understanding what he meant.

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He merely shook his head and forked some salad into his mouth. My attention wandered back to the couple in time to see the guy press a tender kiss on the girl's mouth, eliciting a flood of emotions within me. Maybe, someday, I would be lucky enough to be loved like that. Maybe, someday, I would replace a man who would look at me with love and cherish me and my children. Maybe someday, I will look back on this moment and thank Heaven for answering my prayers for a second chance at love. A fresh start. "What are your plans after we see the specialist?" Aiden asked. I shrugged, and after one last longing glance, I turned to face him.

"I guess it will depend on the outcome of tomorrow's appointment, but I'm still basically following my original plan with a few adjustments." "Which is?"

I lowered my gaze to my food, appetite suddenly gone, because of what I had to say next. "Quit my job, replace a larger place to stay for the babies, figure out what I want to do after giving birth, raise the kids, move on with my life." When I braved a look, I saw Aiden sitting there, frozen with an incredulous expression. "You intend to quit Skylark?" His voice was deeper, edged with something unfathomable.

I straightened my shoulders and met his eyes. "I do. Been planning it for a while actually. I was going to submit my letter of resignation but I ended up in the hospital." I let out a nervous chuckle and pushed my hair from my face. "Erm...so, maybe you can consider this an unofficial notice?"

"What?" Why did he look so surprised? No, on second thoughts, I decided that surprise wasn't exactly what it was...more like he was completely destabilized. He leaned forward, eyes narrowed, mouth set in a thin line, the muscles in his jaw working. "Why do you want to quit?"

I shrugged. "Like I said, I want a fresh start. And besides, as of today, I'm no longer a Brown, so it would be unfair to you and your family if I continue to take up a place that is no longer mine to keep."

I left it at that. But the truth was, I couldn't stomach working in such close proximity to Aiden and Elisa. It would be bad for my mental health, to see them together, and have to endure the knowing looks and whispers from others. I couldn't endure that ordeal so it was best I bowed out gracefully.

"Jess," Aiden looked like he was about to argue, but I held up my hand and shook my head firmly.

"Please don't try to talk me out of it," I said. "My mind is made up; this is what is best for me. I appreciate all that the Brown family has done for me, but I think it's time we went our separate ways."

My phone buzzed with an incoming text. In desperate need of a distraction, I excused myself to go to the restroom. Then I checked my messages. An unknown number had left me a message and curious, I opened it.

Your husband is lying to you. I know the truth about your father-in-law and your marriage. If you want to know the truth, reply with YES.