Broken Oath: I Left, He Regretted-Chapter 87: Go Back and Be Mrs. Xavier Obediently

Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Go Back and Be Mrs. Xavier Obediently

Soon after, Grandpa finished his call, visibly dejected.

The old man let out a long sigh and said, "Julian said he’ll be handling business overseas for a while, so he can’t come back."

My heart suddenly felt stuffed with cotton. I’d expected this answer, but it hurt no less than being rejected to my face.

Julian Sinclair’s connections run deep in this country. Even if he were thousands of miles away, all it’d take to handle a matter is a few phone calls.

At the end of the day, he just didn’t want to intervene.

Still, I had no right to resent him for it.

Between me and Julian, we could barely exchange a few words thanks to Grandpa and Madam Sinclair’s relationship, let alone call each other close.

He’s already gone out of his way helping me multiple times recently—he’s more than fulfilled any obligation.

Those favors are debts I could never repay, not even with interest. So what right do I have to keep expecting his help?

"Grandpa,"

I looked at the elder’s troubled face, trying to keep my voice steady and confident. "Let’s not bother Uncle. It’s not like we don’t have other ways."

Grandpa’s surprise was plain as he confirmed, "You have a plan? What are you thinking?"

I forced a relaxed tone. "I’ll go talk to Timothy Xavier myself. Maybe what he just said was just a fit of anger."

Even though I knew—Timothy Xavier is never one for empty words. No one can sway his decisions.

At that, Grandma chimed in, "Mr. Kendall, let Zoe go give it a try! If it doesn’t work, we can step in then—it’s not too late."

Once I’d reassured Grandpa, I went back to my room and called Timothy Xavier.

Jack Sullivan answered instead.

Clearly, Timothy had anticipated I’d reach out. Jack picked up and said directly, "Mrs. Xavier, President Xavier is in a meeting. If you have something to discuss, please come to the office."

On my way to the Xavier Group, I got a call from Attorney Quincy—he told me that the divorce trial date with Timothy is set for the 15th of this month.

I felt an inexplicable lightness. In a little over ten days, I’d finally be free.

...

One hour later, I arrived at the Xavier Group.

To avoid having me stopped at the front desk and made a scene again, Jack was waiting for me downstairs.

When he saw me, he escorted me straight up in the executive elevator to the top floor.

Timothy had just finished his meeting—immaculate in his suit, surrounded by a crowd of people.

When he saw me, a confident, near-predatory smirk flickered at his lips before he said curtly to those beside him, "Back to work, all of you."

The hallway emptied in an instant.

He headed directly to his office, the sound of his shoes echoing loud enough to make my heart jitter with unease.

As soon as I followed him in, I heard his mocking voice, "Didn’t you swear you’d never talk to me alone? I thought you’d bring our so-called Uncle to negotiate on your behalf again!"

I clenched my fists so hard my nails bit into my palm just to steady my voice. "Timothy Xavier, you know why I came to you."

His brow twitched—barely noticeable—as he waited for the rest.

"I’ll leave with nothing. Your assets, your shares—I don’t want a single thing!"

My words had just fallen when a dark, violent storm shot through his usually icy gaze, waves of hostility roiling beneath the surface.

I couldn’t understand—why this reaction?

Four years of marriage, and he could walk away without losing a thing.

Shouldn’t he be happy about that?

Timothy Xavier stared me down, eyes burning through me. "Go on."

I forced myself to meet his gaze, willing myself to ignore the menace in his eyes. "But I have one condition. I want a paternity test with Doris. If she’s not my daughter, I’ll disappear from your life without a trace. But if she is, I want you to give her back to me!"

"Leave with nothing..."

He gave a short, cold laugh, repeating the phrase over and over.

Then his tone turned deadly quiet. "Zoe Ellison, you and your brother colluded to steal Xavier Group secrets and caused us major losses. Walking away with nothing is what you deserve. You have no right to use that as a bargaining chip!"

My chest tightened painfully. Just as I was about to push back, his tone shifted again: "But if you want a paternity test, it’s not impossible."

He leaned in, his warm breath brushing over my forehead, but his words were knife-cold: "Go home. Behave, and act the part of Mrs. Xavier. When I’m satisfied, then I’ll grant you your wish."

"No way."

My voice quavered with barely suppressed rage as I stepped back, putting distance between us.

He destroyed my marriage. He took my daughter. He never loved me. So why keep tormenting me with this twisted excuse for a marriage? 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Timothy’s hand swept over my furious face, almost gently. "Think it through before you answer."

"Don’t even dream of it, Timothy Xavier!"

My chest heaved as I stared him down. "Even if I agree to your terms, who’s to say you’ll actually let me do a paternity test with Doris? You just want to keep tormenting me!"

Timothy’s dark eyes locked on me, unyielding.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

Jack Sullivan slipped in, nerves on edge as he kept his head lowered. "President Xavier, the court just sent a subpoena."

He placed the envelope on Timothy’s desk and left in a hurry, desperate to avoid his boss’s wrath.

Timothy stared at the envelope for a few seconds, as if realizing something, then looked at me.

I pretended not to notice the tense line of his jaw and said evenly, "That’s right. Court’s on December fifteenth. Since we can’t agree on Doris, let’s get the divorce done first. Cutting ties with you is actually a relief for me."

Timothy’s face was the calm before a storm. "Zoe Ellison, since when is it your call when our marriage ends?"

He didn’t even bother glancing at the subpoena. He just ripped it up and tossed it into the trash.

He shot me a level, imperious look. "On that day, I’ll be taking Doris abroad. I won’t have time to play your divorce games."

I looked at his icy face. At that moment, even finding the energy to argue or fight seemed pointless.

Every extra word was a waste!

I turned toward the door.

My hand paused on the doorknob. "Whether you show up or not won’t make any difference to the court’s decision."

I stepped out. The door clicked shut behind me.

Then came the shrill sound of glass shattering—a cup thrown hard against the floor.

So even a man this cold, this indifferent to the extreme, could lose control sometimes.

I guess it makes sense. He’s convinced he can keep both my body and my heart in his grasp, that no matter how he tramples me, I won’t ever walk away.

He’s only just realized today that he miscalculated. Of course he’s furious!

...

Back in the car, exhaustion crept up my spine and settled in my bones.

Thinking of Timothy’s words about sending Doris abroad on the fifteenth, I gripped the steering wheel so tight my knuckles turned white from the strain.

Just then, I got an email from the production team—my novel had officially been adapted into a script. This was the first draft before finalization.

It was titled "Long Road to Marriage."

"Vera, if you have no objections to this draft, we’ll finalize it."

Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind, and I replied at once: "If I want to add in a minor character right now, is it possible?"

The reply came: "Would it change the story’s trajectory or the main character backstories?"

I confirmed, "No, it won’t."

"It’s possible, but please write the scenes for the new character first. We’ll have to review and discuss whether to include them. Plus, higher-ups need to sign off on it."

Higher-ups?

Julian Sinclair?

I wasn’t sure if he’d trip me up on purpose. After all, I did screw up at that business dinner last time.

Maybe he would still be holding a grudge.

Even so—for my daughter—I couldn’t afford indecision. No hesitating, just do it.

"Alright. Give me three days."

With that, I floored the accelerator and merged into the busy traffic.

Timothy wanted Serena to go abroad to look after Doris—which meant Serena would have to put her career on hold.

But if, just then, the crew would extend her an olive branch for the role she’s been dreaming of...

I was dying to see—would she give up her career for a child not her own, or risk everything for her only shot at a comeback?

If Serena chose to stay in the country for filming, given how much Timothy dotes on Doris, there’s no way he’d leave Doris in someone else’s care.

As long as Doris stayed here, I’d have more time to arrange for the paternity test.

Once home, I wasted no time—immediately opened my laptop and started weaving the new character into the plot.

To really tempt Serena, this new character was a positive one—one of the female lead’s friends.

But as for the character’s job, I made her a figure skater.

I wasn’t about to let Serena just idle comfortably on set.

...

For three days straight—aside from eating—I was glued to my computer.

I pulled three consecutive all-nighters, then sent the revised script to the crew, highlighting the new character’s scenes.

They got back to me quickly—the role fit perfectly within the script’s overall tone and there were no issues.

I requested to directly connect with Serena for casting, and they agreed.

Using the production team’s name, I sent her a script excerpt, with a note: "Miss Sawyer, I’m the writer for ’Long Road to Marriage.’ Based on the team’s discussion, we’ve created a new character that really fits your pure and elegant image. If you’re interested, you can join the cast directly."

In less than half an hour, Serena’s studio replied.

And it was Serena herself—sending a voice message.

Her voice was tinged with barely contained excitement. "Vera!—oh no, Ms. Vera—this role is perfect for me! A figure skater and the female lead’s best friend. It’s tailored for me."

I curled my lips mockingly and typed back, "As long as Miss Sawyer is satisfied."

"Satisfied? More than satisfied!"

Then she switched gears, cautiously asking, "But I have something to handle these days. Could we possibly schedule all my scenes in one week? I promise to do my best—it won’t delay the production."

I sneered inwardly—of course she’s trying to free up time to take Doris abroad.

"Miss Sawyer, the reason we thought of you for this role is because we see your effort and wanted to help you during this career slump. If this is your attitude, then never mind. I’d hate to waste everyone’s time."

Right away, she messaged back, "No, please, Ms. Vera! It’s my fault, I wasn’t thinking straight. Whatever you arrange is fine—I’ll cooperate no matter how long it takes!"

Seeing her finally take the bait, I smiled and set the trap deeper. "This role has a lot of figure skating scenes. For authenticity, we don’t plan to use a body double for most of them. If you can do it yourself, viewers will be moved by your professionalism. Maybe even those negative rumors will turn around."

Serena replied without hesitation: "No problem! Really, I pick things up fast. Thank you, Ms. Vera, for this opportunity. I won’t let you down!"

I could feel her burning desire for a comeback through the screen.

Then she followed up: "Ms. Vera, could I negotiate one thing? Would it be possible for me to join after the fifteenth? My family needs me and I really can’t get away."

I typed each word with deliberate firmness: "Miss Sawyer, learning figure skating at your age takes more than a day. The production has already scheduled a coach for you, and you’ll begin training tomorrow. You’ll follow our training plan every day. If that’s too hard, I’m sure plenty of actors would love this role."

This time, it took a long while for her to reply.

After an hour, she wrote back: "Ms. Vera, I’ll follow your plan and report to the crew tomorrow. Actually, will you be at the set? I’d really like to thank you in person—if you have time, may I treat you to a meal?"

"No need. I don’t like socializing."

I shut her down at once.

...

The next morning, I got word from the crew—Serena had already checked in.

And Jenna rushed to my house early as well.

"Zoe! Did you know Serena’s playing a role in your novel now?"

She looked like she was breaking big news!

I stayed calm, asking, "How’d you find out?"

Jenna took out her phone, "Look—she posted it herself on X."

On X, Serena—who hadn’t updated in ages—posted a photo at the set, captioned: "Thank you to the ’Long Road to Marriage’ team, thanks to author Vera Knight for writing this role for me, and thanks to my dedicated self! Your Serena is about to experience the life of a figure skater!"

I found it ridiculous—she’s acting like we were chasing after her to join the show.

Even now, with no jobs or endorsements, she’s still putting on the image of a star in her prime.

Her brain-dead fans flooded the comments:

"Aaaaah! Our Serena is finally making a comeback! I thought I’d never see her get work again—it scared me to death."

"Gold always shines. Serena must have been honing herself while she wasn’t working. Look, she’s even more determined now!"

"So moved! Can’t wait for our girl’s performance—as a figure skater, only our Serena in this industry can bring beauty to the screen! And about that Ainsworth Bitch—so what if she took the lead? Just wait till this airs, results will speak for themselves!"

"..."

Jenna was fuming, practically spitting. "Makes me sick! She calls that hard work? More like working hard to seduce men!"

I smiled, "Serena’s even more impatient than I thought. You know what they say—hurry ruins everything. The show hasn’t even started, and she can’t keep her mouth shut."

Jenna stared, puzzled, "Wait—what do you mean? Don’t tell me you really wrote this role for her?"

I pointed at my dark circles. "See? Three days and nights up writing just for her."

"Are you nuts? Letting her play a role in your novel—aren’t you disgusted?"

I lounged back in my chair, savoring the brief moment of calm, and explained blandly, "Relax. When they finish shooting, I’ll get the final cut. I can have all her scenes edited out if I want—she’s just a throwaway character, irrelevant to the main plot."

Jenna stared a moment, then burst out laughing. "Genius! No film crew dares hire her now, and to make a comeback she’ll break herself learning figure skating, probably end up bruised and battered every day. Then if all her scenes get axed, she’ll lose her mind!"

I said, each word deliberate: "I don’t care if Timothy and she are close. He can be with whoever he likes—but no one, absolutely no one, gets to hurt Doris. If Serena tries anything with my daughter, she’ll pay for it."