My Coldhearted Husband'S Regret novel Chapter 6
Chapter 6: The CEO’s Icy Dismissal
Elara straightened her blouse as she walked through the main entrance of Thorne Industries. The familiar scent of polish and expensive wood greeted her, but something felt different. Perhaps it wasn’t the building that had changed, but her.
She nodded at the security guard who recognized her immediately. “Good morning, Mrs. Thorne.”
“Good morning, Louis,” she replied, her voice steady.
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime. As she stepped inside, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirrored wall. Gone was the desperate woman who used to fret about pleasing her husband. In her place stood someone more composed, more certain.
When the doors opened again on the executive floor, Elara nearly collided with Marcus Cole, Damien’s secretary.
“Mrs. Thorne!” Marcus’s eyes widened. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”
“I still work here, Marcus,” she reminded him gently.
Marcus shifted awkwardly. “Of course. It’s just that Mr. Thorne returned this morning with Miss Cora. I assumed you’d be taking time off.”
Her heart skipped. “Damien is back?”
“Yes. They arrived earlier than scheduled.” Marcus checked his watch. “He’s in his office now.”
Elara nodded, processing this information. She hadn’t expected to see Damien today. She thought she’d have more time to prepare.
“Thank you for letting me know,” she said, moving toward her office.
“Mrs. Thorne,” Marcus called after her, “Mr. Thorne has scheduled several important meetings today. He specifically requested you not disturb him.”
Of course he did. Even before she’d filed for divorce, Damien had treated her as an inconvenience rather than a wife.
“I have no intention of disturbing him, Marcus.”
As she settled into her office, Elara found herself remembering how she used to spend hours perfecting Damien’s coffee. She had learned his exact preference: dark roast, brewed at precisely 205 degrees, with just a hint of cream. No sugar. She’d practiced until she could make it flawlessly every time.
All that effort for a man who barely acknowledged her existence.
The morning passed quickly as she focused on her work. Around eleven, a commotion in the hallway caught her attention. She heard Cora’s excited voice and peered out her office door.
There stood her daughter, holding Damien’s hand and chattering animatedly. She wore a new dress Elara hadn’t seen before, probably purchased during their trip. Beside them stood Vivienne Dubois, looking effortlessly elegant in a tailored white suit.
“And then Vivienne taught me how to post in English style!” Cora was saying. “Dad says I’m a natural, just like her!”
Damien’s lips curved into a rare smile – the kind he never directed at Elara. “That’s because you’re both extraordinary.”
Vivienne laughed, the sound light and musical. “She’s definitely your daughter, Damien. That competitive spirit is all you.”
The casual intimacy between them made Elara’s chest tighten. This was the family unit she had never been part of – Damien, Cora, and Vivienne.
Cora suddenly spotted her. “Mom!”
Elara put on her brightest smile. “Hi, sweetheart!”
She stepped forward to embrace her daughter, but Cora gave her only a brief hug before turning back to Vivienne.
“Vivienne bought me these shoes in Milan! Aren’t they pretty?”
“Very pretty,” Elara agreed, trying to hide her disappointment.
Damien finally acknowledged her presence with a curt nod. “Elara.”
“Damien,” she replied, her voice matching his coolness. “How was your trip?”
“Productive.” His eyes moved past her as if she were barely worth his attention.
Once, that dismissal would have crushed her. Now it merely reinforced her decision to end their marriage.
“Mrs. Thorne,” Marcus interrupted, appearing suddenly beside them. “Those reports you requested are ready.”
“Thank you, Marcus.” She turned back to Cora. “I’ll see you at home later, sweetheart. We can catch up then.”
Cora nodded distractedly, already tugging on Vivienne’s hand. “Can we show Dad that thing we practiced?”
“Of course, darling,” Vivienne replied, shooting Elara a triumphant glance.
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