Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 81

"There's no point anymore."

Hazel Garrison released her friend's wrist with a faint, empty smile. As she watched the two figures lost in each other by the river, the agonizing pain in her chest finally dulled into a suffocating numbness.

Nellie York watched her, her heart breaking so much she couldn't find the right words to say.

This wasn't the Hazel she knew. She had changed so much. Could a miserable relationship really alter someone this drastically?

Once upon a time, Hazel would be riding high for days over a single compliment from Julian Hayes. If he ignored her, she'd eagerly invent excuses for him. She used to be a woman with a permanent, radiant spark in her eyes. Now, she stood here watching her husband kiss another woman without a single ripple of emotion on her face.

Nellie felt her own breathing stall.

Hazel had grown up without the love of a family. When she met Julian, she thought she had finally found her savior. She never imagined he would be the one to push her back into the abyss.

Taking a deep breath, Nellie whipped out her phone and aimed it at the couple, mashing the shutter button. The flash went off, but the two people in the distance were too engrossed to notice.

She took a few more shots. Her hands were shaking so badly that some of the photos came out blurry.

"Save these as evidence," Nellie said, her voice fierce as she glared daggers at them. "This is proof of his infidelity. When the time comes, this will help you take him for every penny he's worth in the divorce."

Hazel's lips curved slightly. She didn't look at the photos, nor did she cast another glance at the distant couple.

She turned and walked toward the street. The night breeze blew past, carrying the crisp chill of early autumn. Pulling her coat tighter around herself, she said softly, "Let's go back. Professor Finch is still waiting for me."

Nellie tucked her phone away and hurried after her, though she paused after a few steps to look back one last time.

The couple had finally separated. Julian was holding Evelyn Vance's hand, leading her across the street. Nellie spat in disgust and quickly caught up with Hazel.

The hotel lobby was magnificent, its crystal chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow.

Julian booked two rooms. When he tried to hand Evelyn her key card, she didn't take it. She just looked at him, her eyes still rimmed with red.

He placed the card in her hand. His fingertips brushed against her palm, sending a sudden flutter through his chest.

The elevator doors closed. Evelyn stood beside him, barely a few inches away. The floral scent of her perfume lingered in the confined space, turning the air thick with undeniable tension.

The doors chimed open. Julian walked her to her room. Evelyn swiped her card, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. She turned back to look at him, maintaining that fragile, pitiable vulnerability.

"Aren't you going to come in and sit for a while?"

Julian stood in the doorway, two voices warring in his head. The alcohol in his system seemed to be burning him up, leaving his mouth entirely dry. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped inside. The door clicked shut behind him.

Only a single wall sconce was on in the room, casting a dim, amber light.

Evelyn turned to face him, the warm light reflecting in her large, watery eyes. Moving deliberately slowly, she reached up and unfastened the top button of her collar.

Julian didn't say a word. Evelyn's collarbone was exposed, her skin glowing softly in the low light. His Adam's apple bobbed as his gaze turned dark.

Impossible. She was going to have him tonight. She refused to believe she couldn't beat Hazel.

Just then, the bathroom door opened. Julian stepped out, his wet hair dripping onto his shoulders. He was wearing a bathrobe, the collar slightly parted to reveal his lean chest.

"Evelyn, I'll sleep on the so—"

Before he could finish, his gaze landed on the bed, and he froze completely.

The blanket was pushed aside. Evelyn lay facing away from him, her bare back completely exposed, the delicate curve of her shoulder blades illuminated clearly in the dim light.

Her shoulders trembled slightly. He couldn't tell if she was cold, or if she was crying.

Julian's pupils contracted. The fiery heat the cold water had just beaten down surged back up with a vengeance.

He stood rooted to the spot, his fingers gripping the belt of his robe tightly as his heart pounded against his ribs.

The room was so quiet he could hear her quiet, breathy sobs. Every sound clawed at his chest, dismantling his rationality piece by piece.

Then, Evelyn slowly turned around. Her voice was so soft it felt as if it might disappear into thin air. "Julian."

The alcohol rushed back to his head, clouding his mind completely. The dim lighting blurred his vision. As he was pulled down onto the bed, he spoke instinctively, his voice thick with liquor and a faint, affectionate smile. "Honey, stop messing around."

Evelyn's smile froze instantly on her face.