The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson
Chapter 193

Chapter

193

"This is the place," Max said, helping Deborah out of the vehicle and into the shop.

"We'll check out the displays," Danielle said.

"Yeah, I won't take long." Max replied, heading to the counter and pulling out his pawn ticket.

The women began browsing the store, unaware that they were being watched.

Roger had slowly adjusted to his new life routine, and during this time alone, he had reflected on all his past actions... leading to a long list of apologies owed to those he had hurt, especially Deborah.

But

He was waiting for the right moment to reach out to his father and brother, knowing they were busy. B with Deborah, the situation was different because he had no way of contacting her.

But today seemed like the day, as she walked into his store.

He was surprised, but what stood out most, aside from her round belly, were the two people accompanying her.

He cautiously approached them, noting how much Deborah had changed. She was smiling, and her demeanor was completely different from when she had been his wife-a stark contrast that now felt like a cruel joke. Indeed, what Cooper once told him had come true: "However she appeared to you in the past was your fault." And it had turned out to be true.

Deborah had been unhappy because he never supported or reciprocated her sacrifices, neglecting herself for his happiness.

She had been mute because he never cared about her health, even though she had once asked for his help with it.

She had been insecure because he never made her feel supported or respected.

Despite all her struggles, she had given 100% to support him as a good wife, sacrificing everything for his success. And fier efforts had been repaid in the worst way possible-by watching him enjoy that success with someone else. "Look at that bracelet, Deborah," Danielle said, pointing to the display case.

"Good afternoon, ladies. Were you looking for something specific?"

"We're just browsing, thank you," Deborah replied.

The salesperson nodded and stepped back, allowing them to continue exploring.

Just as Roger was a few steps away, he tried to catch her attention.

"Debbie..."

"Well, I'm ready," Roger stopped in his tracks as a young man with dark hair approached the two women. "Ready?" Danielle asked.

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"Yeah, did you replace anything nice?" Max asked.

"Yes, there are some interesting things, but right now, I'm more interested in chocolate bread," Deborah confessed.

"Well, you heard the mini-boss," the blue-haired woman joked, making her companions laugh. "To the bakery!" "In that case, let's go." Max said, opening the door for them.

"Deborah

Hearing that voice, Deborah stopped dead in her tracks, her smile quickly fading as she turned to meet his gaze. The siblings were alarmed by the drastic change in her demeanor, and they, too, grew serious and defensive. "Can we help you?" Danielle asked, stepping into his line of sight.

"Um.... well, I... Deborah, could we talk?" he asked, trying to approach her.

"Are you harassing me again?"

"Actually, I work here."

"Oh..."

"Yes... and, well, I'd really like to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Please, I'll be off in about 10 minutes, and if you'd like, I could buy you that bread... um... please..."

Deborah let out a sigh and nodded before turning to leave the store.

The siblings followed her, and Max discreetly sent a text message to Jayden, informing him of the

encounter.

[Well, guys, now's your chance to show me you're worth what I pay you... Protect my wife and child. Don't let anything happen to them] Jayden texted back.

"Guys, let's see what he wants but don't stray far. He's always been unpredictable," Deborah said, recalling their last encounter.

"Got it." The siblings responded in unison.

They saw Roger come out, looking a bit worried until he spotted them, then he walked over.

"Thank you

for waiting Um... would you mind talking at that cafe?" he suggested, pointing to the establishment across the street. "Hm..." was all Deborah said.

"Here, let me help..." Roger tried to get closer, but Max was quicker, already holding his boss's hand to

help her walk. Roger frowned but quickly composed himself and followed them,

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Once inside, they took a table near the window, and a waiter promptly came to take their order. Deborah ordered her craving and a juice, while Roger continued to scan the menu.

"If nothing appeals to you, just order a coffee. Don't force yourself," she said, recognizing his indecision. "A coffee," he told the waiter.

T be right back with your orders," the waiter said, leaving the table

"So, um... how... how have you been?"

"Fine"

"Ah... that's good, and um... how is...?" he started to ask, glancing at her belly.

She raised an eyebrow. "My son is growing well, and he'll be born soon.

"Really? When?"

"Roger, pretending to be kind and concerned doesn't suit you, so just tell me what you need."

"Nothing I honestly just wanted to ask how you've been and how our..."

"James isn't your son."

He winced. It was obvious she would treat him like this, and it certainly hurt.

Deborah sighed as she adjusted her seat. "Look, I understand what you're trying to do, but it's not going to

work"

"What?"

"Roger, what happened between us is still too recent, and I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about it or spend time with you reminiscing about our past. That's not something pleasant to remember, is it?" "I suppose not..."

"That's why I asked Christian to request that the alimony be suspended because frankly, I don't want to owe you anything if you didn't give me anything while we were together, there's no need to receive anything now that we're nothing because I honestly don't want or expect anything from you," she said, standing up

"Deborah..." Roger also stood up, trying to stop her.

You know it's strange to hear you call me by my name." she said "I'm glad to see you're trying to change for the better, and good for you but I'm not interested in knowing about that change.

"I guess you're right," he admitted, feeling a pang of sadness, realizing how much she had changed and understanding just how foolish he had been not to protect her

"Here's your order, ma'am" the waiter said arriving with a cardboard box and a plastic cup of juice.

"Thank you," she said, handing him a bill Here you go, and please also charge this gentleman's coffee. The rest is your up." she said, noting the waiters excited nod Goodbye, Roger, and good luck with your new life," she said as he walked to the door, where her bodyguards were waiting to help her out. The tro left without looking back