After the Divorce, He Begged Me Back Chapter 05

After the Divorce, He Begged Me Back Chapter 05

Holden and Amber’s wedding was a massive, 

lavish affair. 

Immediately following the reception, they jetted off overseas for a month–long 

honeymoon. 

By the time they returned, a full month had 

flown by. 

Amber’s belly was beginning to show. She sat heavily on the sofa, rubbing her lower back with theatrical exhaustion. 

“Babe, my feet are so swollen,” she whined. “I’m exhausted.” 

A flash of irritation crossed Holden’s face. 

The entire trip had been an absolute 

nightmare. Amber spent every day 

complaining that the luxury resorts weren’t 

grand enough or that first–class wasn’t 

comfortable enough. 

Every single morning, she dragged him on a relentless shopping spree. 

The moment Holden showed even a hint of displeasure, she immediately weaponized her pregnancy. 

“Honey, the baby says he doesn’t like this restaurant,” she would pout. “Babe, the baby says he really wants this diamond bracelet.” 

He was thoroughly drained by her constant demands. 

Yet Amber knew exactly how to play him, pulling back right before he reached his breaking point. 

She would switch on her seductive charm, making him temporarily forget his 

annoyance. 

But lately, even her tricks were beginning to feel incredibly stale. 

Sitting on the couch, a sudden image flashed through his mind–Chloe. 

She had never acted like this. 

She never demanded expensive gifts. No matter what he brought home, even a stray wildflower picked from the side of the road, Chloe would smile radiantly and tell him it 

was beautiful. 

Whenever they traveled together, no matter how exhausted she was, she only ever said 

one thing. 

“As long as I’m with you, I’ll never get 

tired.” 

The memory hit him hard. Suddenly, he realized how quiet the house was. 

They had been back for hours, yet there hadn’t been a single sound from Chloe’s 

room. 

An unexpected wave of emptiness washed 

over his chest. 

He stood up and walked toward the guest bedroom. Just as his hand touched the 

doorknob, he paused. 

Turning back to the living room, he sifted 

through Amber’s mountain of shopping 

bags and picked out a forest–green velvet 

box. 

“Babe, what are you doing with that?” Amber asked, her voice instantly dropping 

into a pout. 

Holden popped the box open, revealing a breathtaking diamond necklace. 

“We’ve been gone for weeks, and Chloe must be upset about being left alone,” he muttered. “This will be her peace offering.” 

“But that’s my favorite piece!” Amber whined, jumping up from the couch. 

“That necklace was the most expensive item we bought. Why would you waste it on a useless woman like her?” 

Holden whipped his head around, his eyes 

flashing with a terrifying chill. 

“Who 

gave you permission to speak about. 

her like that?” 

Amber recoiled from his gaze, stammering 

in confusion. 

“But… you’re the one who called her a-” 

Holden’s hand shot out, clamping around 

her jaw with brutal force. 

“Listen to me very carefully,” he hissed, his eyes narrowing. “There is only ever one Mrs. Vance, and that is Chloe. No one else has the right to judge her but me.” 

“Do you understand?” 

Terrified, Amber swallowed hard and nodded 

frantically. 

Holden released her chin, his expression instantly melting back into a warm, gentle 

smile as he patted her head. 

“Good girl.” 

He gripped the velvet box and walked back toward the guest room. 

Amber stared at his retreating back, a cold 

shiver running straight down her spine. 

Stopping in front of the door, Holden hesitated for a split second before knocking 

gently. 

“Chloe, I brought you a gift,” he called out. “I know you’re going to love it.” 

Silence answered him. 

His brows knit together. After a beat, he tried again, his tone tightening. 

“I know you’re furious with me, but once you see this necklace, you’ll forgive me.” 

Still, there was no response. 

A flare of irritation shot through him. 

“Chloe Vance, my patience has limits.” 

He grabbed the knob and threw the door open, but the room was completely empty. 

He scanned the space. Everything looked exactly as it had before she moved in. 

Pulling out his phone, he dialed my number. The call connected, but before he could speak, a cold, automated operator voice blared through the speaker. 

“We’re sorry, the number you have dialed has been disconnected.” 

Refusing to believe it, Holden dialed again, only to receive the exact same recording. 

His fists clenched tightly as his eyes swept over the room once more. 

That was when he finally noticed it–her mother’s photo was gone from the desk. 

In its place sat a single item: her diamond wedding band.