Crater Lanterns Glimmered Over Tidelands by Axton Reed 5
“Goodbye, my ex.”
I hung up and switched off my phone decisively.
As the roar of the plane’s engines filled my ears, I finally felt it–a true, deep relief. It was over.
All of it.
Meanwhile, Orlando stood frozen in Kristen’s living room, staring numbly at the disconnected phone.
His voice was low and rough, like he was holding back some inexplicable emotion.
“Where is Gretch?”
Kristen crossed her arms and let out a cold laugh. “Oh, so now you’re suddenly interested?”
“She’s gone.”
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“Gone? What do you mean, gone?
“Where did she go?” Orlando pressed.
Kristen shrugged, a sly smile on her face.
“You really think I’d tell you?”
Orlando’s gaze turned sharp. “Kristen, I don’t have time for games.”
“Oh, look at you, all worked up,” she said, rolling her eyes.
Then she walked to the door and pulled it open.
“Leave. You’re not welcome here.”
But Orlando didn’t move. His expression shifted, conflicted.
“Gretch and I agreed to remarry today. She wouldn’t just disappear.”
“Remarry?”
Kristen let out an exaggerated laugh.
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12:18
Chapter 5
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“What is your marriage certificate to you–a coffee loyalty card? Buy seven divorces and get the next one free?”
Orlando’s pupils shrank, as if her words had hit a nerve he didn’t want to acknowledge.
But he quickly steadied himself. “Tell me where she is,” he demanded, his voice cold.
“She blocked you. Haven’t
you figured it out yet?”
Kristen lifted her chin mockingly.
“Orlando, Gretchen isn’t coming back.”
He finally snapped, slamming his hand hard against the sofa.
“She wouldn’t just leave! And you have no right to interfere!”
“Oh, really?”
Kristen clicked her tongue, then grabbed a stack of documents from the drawer and threw them right at him.
“Take a look. Then tell me if you still have any right to ask where she is.”
Orlando looked down. As his eyes scanned the papers, his breath caught.
It was my resignation confirmation, closed bank accounts, and…
A one–way ticket with the destination blacked out.
“Get it now?”
Kristen’s smile was merciless:
“Orlando, Gretchen is completely done with you.”
His knuckles turned white, fists clenched tight.
“She cannot leave,” he gritted out.
“You don’t get a say anymore.”
Kristen pushed him firmly out the door.
“Now, get out!”
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12:18
Chapter 5
At the airport.
My plane was already in the air.
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Orlando had sped the whole way, running every red light until he screeched to a halt inside the airport–only to be stopped by security.
“Sir, you can’t be in here!”
His face was pale as he shoved his business card toward them.
“I’m the Chairman of the Wagner Group. Stop all outgoing flights. Now!”
The staff member replied helplessly, “I’m sorry, sir. We can’t do that. If you need to make arrangements, you’ll have to contact the airline…”
Orlando shoved the staff member’s hand away and called his assistant.
“Find out where Gretchen went. Now!”
His assistant’s voice trembled on the other end of the line. “Mr. Wagner, Ms. Todd purchased her ticket anonymously… I’m afraid we can’t trace her destination.”
A cold dread washed over Orlando.
He couldn’t believe my resolve to vanish without a trace.
Without wasting another second, he contacted a private investigator.
“Find her–whatever it takes!”
His voice was raw, his eyes bloodshot. For the first time, it seemed to hit him–I really didn’t want to be with him anymore.
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.
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