His Reignited Flame

My sons fever was raging, and all he did was cry for Santa Claus.
I tried to coax him, promising that if he just drank his medicine, Id take him to see Santa.
But he knocked the bowl from my hand, shattering it on the floor.
No! Daddy promised hed take me, he insisted.
A shard of porcelain sliced across the back of my hand, and little beads of blood welled up. I started picking up the pieces, trying to explain. Your fathers busy with work, sweetie. Besides, he thinks Christmas is silly.
The boy just yawned, his eyes glassy and unfocused. Hell be there, he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. He promised Miss Nora. And Daddy never, ever breaks a promise to her.
My hand froze in mid-air.
1
I stayed that way for a long time.
Long enough for my son, Ethan, to fall fast asleep on the bed. Only then did I slowly walk out to the balcony and stare into the night.
It was Christmas Eve. The world outside hummed with festive energy, every house a constellation of twinkling lights. I turned back inside, and the silence was deafening. The apartment felt colder, emptier than ever.
Rami hadnt come home. Again.
After a moments hesitation, I called him. The ringtone played on for what felt like an eternity, a full forty seconds, before a cold, impatient voice finally answered.
Im in a meeting. Ill be late.
He hung up before I could even say a word. But Id heard it. Clear as day. The chaotic buzz of a crowd in the background, punctuated by a womans bright, carefree laughter.
Something snapped inside me. On pure instinct, I went downstairs, got in the car, and drove straight to the kindergarten.
The square across the street was alive with people. And I saw him almost immediately.
Rami.
He was dressed in a ridiculous Santa Claus costume, striking one goofy pose after another, making the woman sitting on the stone steps double over with laughter. He used the moment to slip a piece of candy into her hand, his smile soft and intimate.
Merry Christmas, Nora.
A sharp pang went through my heart.
Last Christmas, Id been bored out of my mind at home. Id tugged on his arm, trying to be playful. Come on, just spend a little time with me? Get off work early, please? An hour? Half an hour? Even ten minutes would be enough!
He had just shot me a cool glance, pulling his arm away without a second thought. Its just a commercial holiday, Vivian. Is it really that important? hed said, his tone flat. Dont be so childish.
My vision blurred. Across the square, the two of them were still joking around, looking for all the world like a couple lost in the first blush of love.
I knew her.
Nora. Ethans beloved Miss Nora.
She was the woman a twenty-year-old Rami had fought tooth and nail to marry, defying his grandfather and the arranged marriage to me. He had knelt before the old man, ready to face any consequence, as long as he could have her.
But the confrontation had sent his grandfather into a sudden cardiac arrest. His final will and testament was a single, unbending command: Rami had to honor the marriage contract with my family.
And just like that, Rami fell silent. He locked his heart away, cut off all contact with her, and, as promised, married me and fathered my child.
But now, a decade later, it was clear. The thirty-year-old Rami still couldnt forget Nora. Not me, the wife who had stood by his side for ten years.
In that moment, our ten-year marriage, my fifteen years of unrequited love it all felt like a pathetic joke.
I forced a bitter smile onto my lips.
If this marriage was something I had stolen, then it was only right that I give it back.
Taking a deep breath, I turned and drove home.
The clock struck midnight by the time Rami finally opened the door.
I hadn't turned on the lights in the living room. I was just a shadow, curled up on the sofa.
He glanced at me in silence, not noticing the deathly pale color of my face, and sat down beside me.
Cant sleep without me here? he murmured, a faint, condescending smile playing on his lips. He pulled out a small jewelry box. The new piece from the Christmas collection. Want to try it on?
I pressed my lips together. Rami, I said, my voice carefully neutral, Christmas is over.
And so is my love for you.
His expression darkened instantly. The hint of a smile vanished from his eyes, and he tossed the box into the nearby trash can.
Youre crossing a line, Vivian.
As he turned to leave, the air swirled around him, carrying the cloying scent of fruit candy. The sweetness made my nose tingle, a bitter ache spreading through my sinuses.
I stopped him as he headed for his study.
My voice was barely a whisper.
Rami, lets get a divorce.
That way, Ill never cross the line again.
2
Ramis whole body went rigid.
He turned his head, his brow furrowed in annoyance. All this because I was late for some meaningless holiday?
I was quiet for a moment, then shook my head. Its not just about that.
Honestly, the moment the word divorce popped into my head, it shocked even me. From the time I was a little girl, my mother had drilled it into me: I would be Mrs. Hemlock. Id chased after Rami for years. Id been hurt, Id gotten tired, Id cried, but I had never, ever thought about giving up.
And yet, those two words had tumbled out of my mouth so easily.
Ramis face was a mask of indifference, his gaze so cold it made me shiver. Vivian, if youre going to throw a tantrum, at least pick a better time. Im busy. I dont have time for these silly little games.
I wasnt surprised he didnt believe me.
I didnt argue. He would know I was serious soon enough, when my lawyer presented him with the divorce agreement and the asset settlement.
I changed the subject, my tone casual. Noras divorced, did you know? I heard shes teaching at Ethans kindergarten now.
Ramis gaze dropped. I didnt know, he said, his voice flat. And I dont care.
How could he not care?
I clutched my phone, my eyes fixed on the latest headline from a gossip site: Billionaire Rami Hemlock Rages for His First Love, accompanied by another, A Love That Crosses the Class Divide.
He was the one who helped her get the divorce.
He was the one who personally carried her to his car.
He was the one who carefully selected a job for her, placing her right under his nose where he could always see her.
I shoved the phone in his face, my hand trembling slightly. This is you not caring? I demanded. That man in the snow, playing Santa Claus just to make her smile that wasnt you, Mr. Hemlock?
He barely lifted his eyelids, not even bothering to give me a proper look.
That monster she was with was abusive. Thats why I brought Nora back. Id do the same for anyone. His voice was calm, measured. And Christmas is her birthday. Shes been incredibly depressed lately, so I was just trying to cheer her up. Vivian, cant you have a little compassion?
He paused, then added, This is exactly why I didnt tell you. Because I knew youd overthink everything.
It was all so reasonable.
My hands and feet felt numb. A heavy pressure built in my chest, and I didnt know what expression I was supposed to make.
Rami hesitated, then let out a soft sigh and patted my shoulder. Vivian, he said, his voice softening, were married now.
They were meant to be comforting words, but the way he said them was tinged with a deep, lingering regret for a love he couldnt have in his youth.
I understood what he wasnt saying.
We were married. What more could I possibly want?
I shook his hand off, clinging to one last sliver of hope. Ethan was burning up all night. Did you know that?
Rami was clearly taken aback.
I knew it. Hed put my number on Do Not Disturb again. He probably never even saw my messages.
A bitter sting pricked my nose. I was about to say more, but then, a horrifying thought struck me.
Ethan. The name wed chosen for our son. Was it for her? All this time, even the name of the child we made together was a monument to his memory of her.
A wave of utter defeat washed over me. I didnt have the strength to argue anymore.
Rami looked lost for a moment. He tentatively reached for me, but was interrupted by the sudden chime of the doorbell.
A second later, the door swung open.
A frail, slender figure stood on the threshold, peering in timidly. Her voice was a choked sob.
Rami I have nowhere else to go.
3
Noras quiet sobs filled the room.
The little rabbit keychain clutched in her hand was a perfect match for the one on Ramis car keys. It was obvious. Sometime when I wasnt home, he had already brought her here, shown her our home.
Seeing her tears, Ramis expression faltered. Without a moments hesitation, he turned to go to her.
Bile rose in my throat. Fighting the urge to be sick, I grabbed the corner of his jacket. Rami, do you think Im just some kind of doormat? my voice trembled with rage. Do you even consider this our home anymore? Ethan is still sick If you let her in that door, we are well and truly over.
His eyes, red-rimmed and angry, met mine. He paused, then his hand covered mine.
And then, forcefully, he pried my fingers off, one by one.
This isnt your business, Vivian, he said, his voice dangerously low. Just be Mrs. Hemlock.
He shook me off and strode over to Nora, his voice instantly softening with concern as he bent down to her. What happened? Who hurt you?
Nora buried her face in her hands and collapsed into his arms, her muffled cries telling a story I couldnt hear. Ramis brow furrowed in anger.
He held her for a long time, murmuring reassurances until she quieted. Finally, he spared me a single glance. Noras ex-husband followed her all the way here. Shes alone, and shes terrified hell harass or attack her. Thats why she came to me for help.
His eyes narrowed. Dont be so cruel, Vivian.
Go clear out the master bedroom. You can sleep with Ethan tonight. Nora needs to rest.
My knuckles turned white as I clenched my fists. I stared at him, my teeth grinding together. She needs to rest? What about Ethan? Isnt he your son? You want him to sleep poorly while hes sick?
Just as the words left my mouth, the door to the second bedroom creaked open.
Ethan stood there, his face a thundercloud of irritation. He glared at me, his voice sharp with a familiar frustration. Mom, youre so loud! Are you trying to keep everyone awake?
I froze, stunned into silence. My first instinct was to soften, to coax him back to bed, to check on his fever.
But in the next second, Ethans eyes landed on Nora, who was trembling behind Rami. I tried to move in front of her, but he dodged around me and ran straight to her, tugging on her arm playfully.
Miss Nora? What are you doing here? Did you miss me?
Then he noticed her face. Why are your eyes all red? Was my mommy being mean to you? Did she scare you?
Nora knelt, gently stroking his hair, her lips curving into a soft, gentle smile. No, sweetie. Your mom is a very kind person She sighed dramatically. Your teacher was followed by a bad man, her ex-husband. For a little while I might not have a home.
Hearing this, Ethan immediately took her hand, puffing out his chest with bravado. Dont be scared, Miss Nora! Ill protect you! When I grow up, Ill marry you, and then youll never have to worry about not having a home again!
Nora blinked, then burst into a genuine, delighted laugh. You little charmer. I wonder who you get your taste in women from.
She cast a meaningful glance at Rami.
Ramis gaze softened considerably. He playfully tapped Ethan on the forehead. Go to bed. Miss Nora doesnt need you to worry about her.
No way! I want to sleep with Miss Nora
The warm, yellow light of the living room cast a soft glow on the three of them, bathing them in a halo of warmth. They looked like a perfect, happy family, playfully bickering.
And I was the outsider. The intruder.
A small, bitter laugh escaped my lips. I wasnt sure if it was from humiliation or self-mockery.
I went and silently packed a small bag with a few changes of clothes. Then I turned and looked at Rami, my voice dripping with helpfulness.
Its fine if the house is a little crowded, I said. Ill just stay somewhere else.
Rami stiffened. He took two instinctive steps toward me, but Nora grabbed his arm. Rami, Ethan said hes sleepy. Shouldnt we get him to bed first?
He stopped, his eyes flickering from my back to her pleading face. He relented.
He gently brushed her nose with his finger. Alright. Lets get these two little troublemakers to sleep.
He hesitated for a second, then tossed a black credit card onto the floor near my feet. If youre so determined to throw a fit, then get out and cool off for a few days. When youre done with your drama, Ill come get you.
I bit my lip, hard.
I didnt turn back. I just walked out and slammed the door behind me.
Then I pulled out my phone and dialed a number that had been sitting in my blocked list for years.
Is it too late to change my mind?
On the other end of the line, a mans voice, lazy and amused, chuckled softly. But beneath the laughter, there was a note of sincerity.
For you, Vivian? The offers always good.
4
It took a week. I had my lawyer draft the divorce agreement, meticulously dividing our marital assets based on all the evidence I had.
During that time, Rami never came to get me. He never called.
But news about him was everywhere.
He made a grand appearance at the school gates, joining Nora for a parent-child event with Ethan. After school, he was photographed wrapping both of them in his oversized coat, a human shield against the biting wind and falling snow.
Even though I had prepared myself, my heart still ached with a bitter cold.
I get cold so easily. I remembered one winter, laughing as I tried to slip my hand into his coat pocket. Let me borrow some warmth, okay?
He had recoiled instantly, grabbing my wrist and pulling my hand out. Ill have my assistant buy you a hand warmer.
At the time, I thought he was just shy, uncomfortable with public displays of affection.
Now I knew the truth. It was never about shyness. It was about love. Or the lack of it.
Ramis high-profile appearances with Nora had successfully captured the medias attention. Headlines like Trouble in Paradise for the Hemlock Empire? and Billionaire Rekindles Flame with First Love dominated the news cycle.
The comments sections were a storm of speculation:
[Isnt that the girl he wanted to marry ten years ago, the one he fought his family for?]
[They were meant to be together from the start.]
[The one who isnt loved is the other woman. If Vivian hadnt forced her way in, none of this would have happened.]
[He looks so happy with the woman he loves. They look perfect together, like a real family.]
In the past, whenever rumors of our marriage being on the rocks had surfaced, Rami had crushed them before the stories even went to print. One overzealous reporter had been escorted out of Westwood that very night, never to be seen in journalism again.
The Hemlock family name was everything.
Which meant that every single one of these stories, every piece of gossip, was being published with Ramis silent approval. He was choosing to aim the firestorm at me, all to protect the precious woman he held so dear from even the slightest hint of scandal.
I took a deep, steadying breath.
It didnt matter. This fake, pathetic marriage was finally coming to an end.
I walked straight into his company headquarters. His assistant intercepted me in front of his office, head bowed. Mrs. Hemlock, he mumbled, Mr. Hemlock is in a meeting. And you dont have an appointment
I just stared at him, my silence more powerful than any shout.
He stood his ground, sweating, but didnt move.
Just then, the office door opened and Nora walked out, carrying an empty lunchbox. She gave me an apologetic smile, but her eyes glittered with triumph.
Vivian, she said sweetly. Rami is a little busy right now.
I ignored her, pushed past her, and threw the office door open. I slapped the divorce agreement down on the desk in front of Rami.
The assets are divided. The kid is yours, I said, my voice flat and cool. If there are no problems, sign it.
Rami turned his head.
The words DIVORCE AGREEMENT were practically screaming up at him from the page.
His brow furrowed, and he looked up at me. Are you still angry? Im not signing this. Take it away.
Beside me, Noras hand tightened, her knuckles turning white.
A strange, tense silence filled the room.
Rami stared at me for a long time, his frown deepening. He had just opened his mouth to speak when the office was thrown into chaos.
Who the hell is that?
Somebody stop that lunatic!
A burly, rough-looking man stormed into the room, lunged at Nora, and slapped her hard across the face, twice.
You filthy whore! he roared. You thought you could run off on me?

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