Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 4

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Chapter 4: Chapter 4 – A Change of Fortune, A Bitter Farewell

“Tell me, Mr. Knight, where exactly did you learn that technique?” Isabelle asked, her eyes still wide with amazement as she took another deep, unhindered breath.

I stood awkwardly in her grand living room, unsure how to explain something I barely understood myself. “It’s… complicated. I’m not entirely sure I could explain it properly.”

“Try me,” she insisted, her tone gentle but firm.

Before I could formulate a response, my phone buzzed angrily in my pocket. I glanced at the screen and felt my stomach drop. Seraphina. Again.

“Excuse me,” I muttered, stepping aside to take the call.

“Where the hell are you?” Seraphina’s voice was like acid in my ear. “Mother is furious. You were supposed to be here an hour ago to sign the divorce papers.”

“I got caught up with something important—”

“More important than finalizing our divorce?” she scoffed. “What could possibly be more important in your pathetic little life? Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts.”

I glanced at Isabelle, who was pretending not to listen but clearly catching every word.

“No,” I said firmly. “No second thoughts.”

“Good. Because Gideon is here, and we’re making plans. The sooner you sign these papers, the sooner I can move on with someone who actually matters in this city.”

Her words still hurt, even after years of similar barbs. But something had shifted inside me today. The knowledge I now possessed, the power I’d demonstrated – they were mine alone.

“I’ll be there within the hour,” I said, ending the call before she could heap on more abuse.

When I turned back, Isabelle was studying me with a thoughtful expression.

“Your wife?” she asked, though it was clear she already knew the answer.

“Soon to be ex-wife,” I confirmed. “I should go. They’re waiting for me to sign divorce papers.”

Isabelle nodded slowly. “I see. But before you rush off…” She crossed the room to a small ornate desk and withdrew something from a drawer. “For healing me. Please, I insist.”

She held out an envelope that I suspected contained a substantial amount of money. For a moment, I was tempted. God knows I needed it – I had nowhere to go after the divorce, barely any savings.

But something stopped me. Perhaps it was pride, or perhaps it was the new confidence flowing through me along with the strange energy I now possessed.

“Thank you, but I can’t accept payment,” I said, gently pushing her hand away. “I’m just glad I could help.”

Surprise flickered across her face, quickly followed by what might have been respect.

“Most people would take advantage of my gratitude,” she noted.

I shrugged. “I’m not most people, apparently.”

“No,” she agreed, a small smile playing at her lips. “You’re certainly not.” She tilted her head, seeming to come to a decision. “At least allow me to drive you to your wife’s family home. It’s the least I can do.”

Before I could decline, my phone buzzed again with another angry text from Seraphina. I sighed, knowing I couldn’t put off the inevitable confrontation any longer.

“That would be very kind,” I conceded.

Twenty minutes later, I found myself in the passenger seat of Isabelle’s sleek black luxury car, her chauffeur navigating the streets toward the Johnson family estate. We rode in silence for several minutes before Isabelle spoke.

“So, you married into the Sterling family?” she asked casually, though her tone suggested she knew exactly who they were.

“Three years ago,” I confirmed.

“And now they’re discarding you.” It wasn’t a question.

I stared out the window at the passing scenery. “They never wanted me in the first place. It was a marriage of convenience – for them, at least.”

“Yet you seem remarkably calm about it all.”

I turned to look at her. “What choice do I have? Fight for a woman who’s been cheating on me? Beg for a place in a family that’s always despised me?”

“Is that why you refused my money? Pride?”

“No,” I said after a moment’s consideration. “I refused because healing you was the first worthwhile thing I’ve done in years. I won’t cheapen that by taking payment.”

She fell silent, contemplating my answer. As we approached the Sterling estate, anxiety began coiling in my stomach. I was about to face not just Seraphina but her entire family, who would no doubt be gleeful about my final humiliation.

The car pulled up to the imposing gates, and I took a deep breath.

“Thank you for the ride,” I said, reaching for the door handle.

“Wait,” Isabelle said suddenly. To my surprise, she unbuckled her seatbelt. “I think I’ll come in with you.”

I stared at her in disbelief. “That’s… not necessary.”

“I’m curious,” she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I want to see what kind of family would throw away someone with your talents.”

“Ms. Ashworth, I appreciate the gesture, but this will be unpleasant enough without—”

“All the more reason for you to have someone in your corner, don’t you think?” She was already stepping out of the car. “Besides, the Sterling family has been trying to secure business connections with the Ashworths for years. I’m sure they’ll be… interested to see me.”

I couldn’t argue with her logic, though I dreaded the scene that was about to unfold. As we walked up the driveway, I felt a strange mix of emotions – embarrassment at having Isabelle witness my humiliation, yet a peculiar comfort knowing I wouldn’t face it completely alone.

The front door swung open before we could knock. Victoria Sterling, Seraphina’s mother, stood there with a sour expression that quickly transformed into shock when she recognized my companion.