[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 32: Stubborn little actor

Ash’s pov ;

When I woke up, Elijah was already gone. The room felt emptier without his presence, and an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. I slipped out of bed, my limbs heavy and sore, and cautiously made my way out of the room.

In the living area, Ryder was lounging on the couch, watching the news. And as expected the report was about me, speculating about the motel incident.

When Ryder noticed me, he turned off the TV and gave me a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry. Elijah will take care of it," he said confidently.

"Where is he?" I asked, trying to mask the nervousness in my voice.

"He went to the office," Ryder replied. "But he made sure to order breakfast for you."

"I’m not really hungry," I mumbled, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Ryder raised an eyebrow, looking at me with exaggerated consideration. You want me dead? He specifically ordered breakfast for you. And you didn’t eat it, he’ll have my head."

I couldn’t help but feel touched by Elijah’s gesture. It was a small thing, but it meant a lot. Reluctantly, I sat down at the table, and Ryder brought over a plate of food. He hovered nearby, watching to make sure I actually ate.

As I took a few hesitant bites, Ryder struck up a conversation. "So, any plans for today?"

I shook my head, chewing slowly. "No, I just feel tired. I think I’ll rest."

He nodded sympathetically. "Makes sense. After what happened, anyone would need some downtime."

I glanced up at him. "Thanks, Ryder. For, you know, looking out for me."

He grinned slyly. "Hey, no problem. Just doing my part to keep Elijah from throwing a fit."

I managed a small smile at that. "What is he? A child?"

He chuckled. "Oh, you have no idea. Anyway, how’s the food? Need anything else?"

"It’s good, thanks," I said, taking another bite.

We continued chatting, mostly about trivial things—movies, music, anything to keep the mood light. And I feel less heavy thanks to him.

After I finished eating, Ryder cleared the table and then turned to me with a mischievous sparkle in his eye. "So, how about coming with me for some shopping? It’ll be a good distraction."

I shook my head, already feeling tired just from him asking. I’d rather rot in bed. "I think I’ll pass. I’m really tired."

He groaned sadly and dramatically. "Too bad. Now I’ll have to deal with Elijah’s mood swings all by myself."

But at those words, I perked up a bit. "Elijah’s going to be there?"

He raised a playful brow and smirked, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Ah, now you’re interested."

I felt my cheeks heat up slightly. "No, I just... I mean, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to get out for a bit."

Ryder laughed. "Sure, sure. Just admit it, you want to see him."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t deny the truth. Despite everything, I wanted to see Elijah.

______________

Elijah’s pov ;

I sat at the head of the long, polished conference table. The room was filled with key figures from various departments.

To my right was Clara, our head of casting. Sharp-eyed and discerning. Next to her was Ethan, the head writer, with his glasses perched on his nose and a stack of scripts in front of him.

Across the table, Michael, the director, sat with a thoughtful expression. Kate, our production manager, sat next to him, with her organized stack of papers a testament to her meticulous planning.

"Clara, how are we progressing with the auditions?" I questioned calmly but with authority.

Clara straightened her papers and met my gaze. "We’ve scheduled the initial auditions for next Monday. The callback dates are set for the following week, and we aim to finalize the cast by the end of the month."

I nodded, pleased with the efficiency. "Excellent. Make sure we have a diverse range of talent. This drama needs to stand out."

Turning to Ethan, I asked, "How’s the script coming along?"

He adjusted his glasses and flipped through the top script. "We’re on track. The pilot is polished, and we’re working on the next five episodes. I have some exciting plot twists that will keep the audience hooked."

I leaned forward, intrigued. "Good. Ensure that the story arc is strong and the characters are well-developed. We need depth and relatability."

Michael, the director, spoke up next. "I’ve been reviewing the scripts, and I have a few ideas for the visual style. I think we should go for a more cinematic approach, with dynamic camera movements and high-contrast lighting to enhance the drama."

I gave a nod in acknowledgment. "Kate, how’s the production schedule?"

Kate pulled out a detailed timeline. "We’ve secured most of the locations, and the set designs are underway. Filming is set to begin in six weeks, giving us ample time to prepare. I’ve also lined up the crew, and we’re negotiating contracts with a few more key members."

Once satisfied, I looked around the table. "This is coming together nicely. Let’s make sure every detail is perfect."

As the meeting continued, we delved into the specifics.

I returned to my office after the meeting. As I walked in, Daniel approached me. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

"Sir, Ms. Vanessa is waiting for you in your office," he said, his tone implying more than just a professional visit.

What’s she doing here again? Vanessa is the daughter of Micheal. Our company has made many movies and series with Micheal in the past. And one day he introduced me to her daughter in the hopes of getting me to marry her.

I rejected the offer on the spot because one, I was already married to Ash at that time even though no one outside of our family was aware of our marriage, and second I was not interested in her.

She’s too of a princess and I loathe people like that. But she still pays surprising visits to me in her fake hopes that she can change my mind.

I entered and found her elegantly standing near the window. She really thinks she owns this place, isn’t she?

"What can I do for you, Ms Vanessa?"

She turned with a wide smile. "Elijah, a pleasure to meet you."

I sat down on the sofa and pointed to the other one for her to take a seat while nodding casually. "Same."

But instead of sitting on the other sofa, she chose to sit beside me, but I ignored this suggestive behaviour.

"I was wondering if you’re free this weekend?" She leaned closer with each sentence, her hand brushing my arm. Her attempts at seduction were obvious and irritatingly persistent.

I shifted in my seat, maintaining a polite but safe distance. "Vanessa, while I appreciate your interest, let’s keep this discussion professional."

She pouted slightly, a look that probably worked on others but not on me. "Oh, come on, Elijah. Don’t you ever mix business with pleasure?"

I leaned back, my expression hardening. "No, I don’t. My interests lie elsewhere."

As I continued to deflect her advances, my mind wandered to a different kind of person. Someone who was unexpectedly stubborn, who had a fiery spirit despite their delicate appearance.

Suddenly, Vanessa’s hand landed on my thigh, snapping me back to the present. "Elijah, you’re not even paying attention to me," she purred.

I stood up abruptly, hating her touch and the way it made my skin burn even above the clothes. "Enough," I said, pushing her hand away forcefully. "This meeting is over. If you can’t respect professional boundaries, then we have nothing to discuss."

Her eyes widened in shock, but before she could respond, my phone rang. Ryder’s name flashed on the screen, and I answered it quickly, grateful for the interruption.

"Ryder, what is it?" I snapped, my patience worn thin.

"Where are you? You’re not at the mall yet," He complained.

I glanced at the time and cursed under my breath. "Damn it, I lost track–" But then I heard another voice.

"Ryder, can I have another ice cream?"

"Why did you bring Ash out?" I asked desperately. Ryder, this idiot. He’s the worst babysitter.

Ryder’s exasperated sigh was audible from the other side. "He kept nagging me to get ice cream. What was I supposed to do? Lock him in?"

A reluctant smile tugged at my lips. That’s so typical of Ash, stubborn to the core. "Alright, just keep an eye on him. I’ll be there soon."

Vanessa was still standing there, looking slightly affronted. Ignoring her, I turned back to the phone. "Make sure he doesn’t wander off, Ryder. And keep him out of trouble."

"Yeah, okay, I got it. Just hurry up," he replied, hanging up.

As I ended the call, I felt Vanessa’s gaze on me. "Who was that?" she asked, her tone curious and slightly jealous.

"None of your business," I replied sharply. "If your business here is done, you can leave."

Her face fell, and she looked genuinely hurt for a moment. "I’ve never seen you smile like that. It must be someone special."

I frowned, confusion washing over me. Was I really smiling? The thought unsettled me, so I quickly pushed it aside.

"That’s irrelevant for you to ask. Please leave."

She stood up, clearly disappointed, and left my office without another word.

Shaking off the encounter, I grabbed my jacket and headed out to see what kinds of troubles that stubborn little actor was stirring.