Chapter 92
Mirabelle’s POV:
The bathroom mirror was fogged up, beads of water clinging to the surface as I stepped out, wrapping myself in a soft towel.
I sat at the dressing table, absently smoothing lotion onto my arms. My reflection stared back at me-tired eyes, pale skin, and lips pressed into a thin line.
Who is this woman?
A soft chime interrupted my thoughts. My phone lit up on the table, and I froze. A notification.
Reaching for it, I hesitated. The screen displayed Noah’s name and his message: “I’m on my way to the airport. I just saw the news.”
What the hell?
My hand tightened around the phone. Of all times, why now? I wasn’t ready to face him. He can’t find out yet-not until I gathered enough evidence to expose him. Not until I am able to make him pay for all the lies, all the deceit.
But can I truly do it?
Can I really put the father of my children behind bars?
My chest tightened at the thought. How would I explain it to the kids? Mika would be devastated. Tyler-he idolized his father. And Skyler, he will definitely want to know what happened.
How can I shatter their little world like that?
But even as these questions filled my mind, the most unsettling one was: When did I become this cold?
I set the phone down, staring at it as if it were a ticking bomb. A few seconds later, I picked it back up, my finger hovering over his name in the call log.
The line rang twice before his voice came through.
“Mirabelle?” His voice was soft, as if he wasn’t sure I’d answer.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. “Hey.”
“It’s me.” He said. “Noah.”
“I know.” I replied flatly. My throat felt dry, but I pushed through. “Why the hell are you in such a haste to return?” I asked, impatiently.
“I saw the news.” He said, exhaling loudly. “Mirabelle, what’s going on?”
I sighed, leaning back against the chair. “I don’t want to talk about it.” I replied. “So can we not talk about it? Also, you don’t have to worry about coming back. I’ll have everything sorted out myself.”
“Well, too bad.” He countered sharply. “Because this is serious, and I’m not ending this call or canceling my plans until you tell me everything.”
I clenched my jaw. A lump formed in my throat as his words settled over me. How could he speak so easily, so calmly, as if he didn’t do anything wrong?
“You won’t understand.” I murmured, barely audible.
“Try me.” He urged, his voice softening. “Please, Mirabelle. Let me help you.”
I stared at my reflection, my lips trembling. “Fine.”
I took a deep breath and began. “It started with the rumors. They’ve been circulating for some days now, claiming I’ve been mismanaging funds. Then, last week, I got a call from a government representative. They told me my companies were being shut down.” My voice cracked, but I pressed on. “I thought I could handle it, Noah. But then the news broke-articles, social media posts, all of them accusing me of fraud and illegal activities.”
“Mirabelle…” He started, but I cut him off.
“I’m not done.”I snapped, my frustration spilling over. “That wasn’t even the worst of it. You remember the shipment from Africa? The one for Ken and me?”
“Yes.” He said cautiously.
“It sank, Noah. The entire shipment. Gone. And then another one of my companies…” My voice faltered as tears burned my eyes. “It was burned to the ground. There were only a few survivors, and even they were injured.”
“Jesus Christ!” His voice was low.
“And as if that wasn’t enough.” I continued. “I’m about to lose another company because they’re claiming I purchased my shares illegally. Do you know what it’s like to watch everything you’ve built crumble before your eyes? To have your name dragged through the mud like this?”
He was silent for a moment, then he said. “I’m coming back.”
“No!” I exclaimed, my voice rising. “I don’t want you to come back, Noah. I can handle this on my own.”
“This isn’t something you should handle alone.” He said firmly. “You need support, and I’m your husband.”
“Husband?” I let out a bitter laugh. “You think you’ve been a husband to me lately? Do you have any idea how it feels to be married to someone who can’t be trusted?”
“What are you saying, Mirabelle? That’s not fair.” He said.
“Isn’t it?” I countered. “You’ve been distant, secretive, and now you want to swoop in and play the hero? No, Noah. I don’t need you to fix this.”
“I’m not trying to fix anything.” He said, his tone softening again. “I just want to be there for you. For the kids.”
I hesitated.
“How are the kids?” He asked, his voice gentler now. “And Grandpa Ed?”
“They’re fine.” I said curtly. “Everyone’s fine.”
“And you?” He asked cautiously.
I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t lie to him, but I also couldn’t tell him the truth. “Jamie’s calling me.” I said abruptly, grabbing at the excuse. “It sounds urgent.” I added.
“Mirabelle, wait-”
“Don’t come back, Noah. Please.” I ended the call before he could say more.
The phone slipped from my hand onto the table. Tears streamed down my face. How did I hold myself back for so long? I wanted to scream at him, curse him, demand answers for the lies and manipulations.
Instead, I buried my face in my hands and wept for the woman I used to be-and for the woman I was becoming.
You will pay this, Noah.
I swear on my late father’s life.