Fake Vows & Forbidden Flames

Chapter 22: Missing You, Darling

A million-dollar watch, and he was haggling over a repair? The richer some people were, the more miserly they became. Dora seethed silently—she’d rather take a slap than deal with this nonsense.

Jasper chuckled at her pouty expression, finding it unexpectedly endearing. “Business is business. Now, your phone number.”

Dora rolled her eyes and recited her number. Her phone rang instantly, and she fumbled to answer it, gritting her teeth. “I’m not going to stiff you, you know.”

“Better safe than sorry.” Once they’d set a time, Dora finally escaped his clutches. The moment she turned away, she fought the urge to curse.

Back home, she kicked off her shoes, her poise crumbling. She threw her bag onto the bed and shouted, “Bastard! Bastard! Bastard!” Exhausted, she collapsed onto the mattress, her shoulders slumping. “Why is everything going wrong right after signing the divorce papers? Did my luck vanish with Keith Fu?”

It hit her then—Jasper Qi was the notorious playboy heir to Evergreen Pictures. That explained his reckless behavior. To a man who’d chased women since his school days, hitting on a stranger was just a game.

Thinking about the past three years with Keith, she sighed softly, a faint twinge of gratitude tangled with sadness. Just then, her phone pinged. She picked it up, her throat constricting with bitterness—it was a text from Keith.

【What are you doing?】

Without hesitation, Dora typed back: 【Missing you.】

His reply came seconds later: 【Hmm.】

“Hmm”? That was all? Dora’s heart ached sharply. Why had he texted if he was just going to leave her hanging? Was he toying with her? Once, such short, vague replies had been routine—but now, they twisted her stomach into a tight knot.

She wanted to hear his voice, but she deleted the word “Darling” she’d typed—he was probably with another woman by now. Just as she was about to set the phone down, it rang. Her heart raced, and she answered immediately.

“Keith…” She’d almost said “Darling,” but the divorce papers loomed in her mind, making her voice waver, laced with unintended coquetry.

“Hmm. Did you cry because you missed me?” Keith’s voice carried a hint of amusement as he swirled his wine glass. He’d heard the tremor in her tone.

“No! It’s just cold outside—my nose is stuffy…”

“Oh? So you’re not crying… or you’re not missing me?” His tone rose playfully. Dora panicked, realizing her mistake.

“I’m not crying! Darling, when will you be home?” The question smoothed over the awkwardness. Keith’s voice softened instantly.

“In two or three days, probably.”