No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 144

She had always proudly replied that they would be a perfect match.

They looked perfect together, their age gap was perfect, their personalities were complementary, and their education levels were a match.

But she had overlooked one thing.

York's intellect was far beyond average.

Combined with his upbringing, it made him more rational, more pragmatic, and more ruthless than most people.

In truth, she had known long before he did that they weren't right for each other. Back then, she just couldn't bear to let him go.

Claudia turned off all the lights and collapsed onto the sofa, completely drained of energy.

Outside the door, York hadn't left right away.

Mark stood before him holding the cake, unsure of what to do. "Mr. Ferguson, you came all this way. Are you really leaving?"

York lit a cigarette, his back against the wall. "She can't rest if I don't leave."

Mark retreated a few steps, still holding the cake, and said no more.

York remained silent, smoking one cigarette after another.

At midnight, he stubbed out the last one.

He stood up straight, turned to look at Claudia's apartment door, and made a wish.

On all her previous birthdays, they had made wishes together, blown out candles, and exchanged gifts.

But this year, the theme was arguments and separation.

York stood motionless at her door for a long time.

"Let's go," he finally said.

The next morning, Claudia left for work on time.

Though she wore light makeup, it couldn't hide her exhaustion.

She saw the pile of cigarette butts by her door and completely ignored it.

She knew York. He had his pride. He wasn't the type to cling relentlessly.

Following Gideon's advice, Claudia completed her handover and returned home to develop her own career.

On the day of her return, she didn't tell her family her schedule, wanting to surprise them.

The plane landed just as evening fell.

Claudia took a taxi to the neighborhood near Pioneer Elementary School to buy her mother's favorite apple pie.

As she left the bakery, the kindergarten across the street was letting out.

Standing on the curb, Claudia saw a familiar figure in the distance.

In his black suit, York stood a head above the rest of the parents, his tall frame and distinguished air marking him as someone from a different world.

He was crouched on one knee, carefully tying Ethan's shoelaces.

Then he ruffled Ethan's hair and picked him up. "Mommy's busy with work today and can't look after you. Tell me what you want to eat."

Ethan pointed toward Claudia on the other side of the street. "Ms. Watkins."