Billionaire’s Ex-wife : Craving You

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Chapter 72
RAVEL
PRESENT TIME
Earlier, Elenor reached out to me, expressing her inability to provide an immediate update. Although her message was slightly
cryptic, I opted not to probe further, having full confidence in her capabilities. She gave me reassurance, mentioning that her
chauffeur, Sebastian, would keep me informed about her whereabouts alongside Hazel.
Approximately an hour ago, my phone buzzed with a message from Sebastian. He conveyed that Elenor had successfully
arrived at the airport in the company of Hazel. Just moments ago, another text popped up, notifying me that they had entered the
elevator and were en route. The room’s lights had been dimmed, and everyone stood in anticipation, maintaining absolute
stillness to preserve the element of surprise.
Amidst the silence, the distinct beeping of the keypad reverberated as the lock code was attempted. The door slowly swung
open, and footsteps cautiously traversed into the obscurity of the room. Even before the illumination returned, a harmonious
chorus of the birthday song resonated as a unified surprise for Hazel.
Caught off guard, Hazel stood with eyes widened, her gaze fixed on the spectacle unfolding before her. Every person present,
including Elenor, joyfully joined in singing the celebratory tune. Only when the song concluded did I step forward, holding a petite
cake that contrasted with the extravagant confection resting on the table. In a hushed tone, I greeted her, “Happy birthday,
Hazel,” and raised the cake, presenting her with the candle to extinguish.
While still seemingly rendered speechless, she bent slightly and blew out the candles, a moment that spurred cheers and
applause from the gathered group. Emboldened, I decided to press my luck, handing the cake over to Raymond before
enveloping Hazel in an affectionate embrace. She reciprocated, her fingers finding solace as they encircled my waist.
Elenor’s dramatic throat-clearing finally managed to draw me away from Hazel’s embrace. Elenor stepped in, embracing Hazel in
her turn. “You really gave me quite a scare, Elenor,” Hazel remarked with a chuckle, her words carrying a mix of relief and jest, “I
was fervently hoping you wouldn’t meet your demise before the doctor arrived.”
Elenor responded with a giggle. “Perhaps I should explore acting as a potential new business venture.”
With my hand gently resting on the curve of Hazel’s back, I guided her deeper into the room. She shared warm hugs with
Raymond and broke into a wide grin upon spotting Adam. It was a significant moment, as this marked the first occasion she had
laid eyes on Adam since their divorce, especially since he had promptly departed for military service right afterward.
“I have a surprise for you,” I whispered into her ear, my voice laden with anticipation. Holding her hand, I guided her into one of
the rooms. She settled onto the bed, and as she did, I slipped into the closet to retrieve the gift.

“Is this place yours?” she inquired, her gaze sweeping over the room with appreciation.
“It’s not mine,” I replied, gently placing the velvet box on the bed beside her. In truth, it was hers-a penthouse I had purchased for

her, originally intended as a birthday gift. Circumstances, however, forced my hand, and we divorced before her special day.
“Did you rent it just for my birthday?” she asked, a hint of disbelief evident in her voice.
With a slight tilt of my head, I pondered how to respond most effectively. “More like I borrowed it,” I finally admitted, taking a seat
beside her on the bed. I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers, and explained, “I didn’t pay a penny for using it, and I’ll be
returning it to the owner soon.”
A soft smile played on her lips as she mused, “I should find more friends who are willing to casually lend out their penthouses.”
If only she knew the complete truth. My attention shifted to the velvet box nearby, and I urged, “Go ahead and open it.”
Her attempt to withdraw her hand from my grip triggered an unconscious tightening of my hold. “Ravel,” she mumbled, avoiding
my gaze, “I need both hands to open the box.”
Realizing my slip, I released her hand quickly. “Of course, my apologies,” I responded, acknowledging my blunder. In a bid to
diffuse any awkwardness, I offered a light chuckle.
Her smile softened, and her attention shifted to the velvet box. As she opened it, a gasp of awe escaped her lips upon
discovering the exquisite beauty resting within. I had invested a year of effort into crafting that piece. “This is truly beautiful,
Ravel,” she whispered, her gaze seemingly captured by the mesmerizing jewelry set.
A sense of contentment welled within me. “I’m delighted you like it.” With gentle movements, I lifted the necklace from the box.
“Could you turn around for me, Hazel?” I requested. Slowly, she obliged, her back now facing me. Gently gathering her hair, I
swept the strands to one side, exposing the nape of her neck. My resistance waned, and I leaned in, pressing a tender kiss
against her skin.
An immediate tensing of her body was perceptible, though her lips remained sealed.
With careful precision, I secured the all-diamond necklace around her neck, my fingers adeptly fastening the clasp. My hands
then settled on her shoulders, gently pivoting her to face me. Hazel’s gaze remained locked onto mine, a subtle parting of her
lips hinting at the underlying tension.
My attention involuntarily dropped to her lips, the memory of their taste and the desire to experience it again resurfacing vividly.
As my hand rested on her shoulder, its motion gradually ascended, my fingers tenderly curving around her neck, pulling her
gradually nearer.
A slow inhale on my part met her exhale, my thumb instinctively tracing the rhythm of her pulse. “I’ve missed you, Hazel,” I
breathed out, my words a mere whisper that triggered an escalation in her breath. Summoning every ounce of courage, I
decided to play my final card. Leaning in, I closed the distance, pressing my lips against hers in a kiss, a fusion of emotions
encapsulated in that one daring act.

Remaining perfectly still, I allowed Hazel the space to make her decision, to withdraw or reciprocate. Astonishingly, she held her
ground, a silent agreement to allow this connection. Neither of us moved for a moment, a delicate equilibrium hanging in the
balance.

Gradually, our lips began to move in sync, a tentative rhythm forming between us. The kiss was a gentle dance, an unspoken
exchange of feelings that transcended verbal expression, a testament to the depth of longing we had for each other. My grip on
her neck grew firmer as the kiss deepened, and a telltale moan escaped her lips, melding with the connection we shared.
Hazel’s moan was intoxicating, a raw affirmation of desire. With a lustful growl resonating within me, I pulled her even closer, any
consideration for the delicate jewelry momentarily forgotten. The feel of her hands encircling my neck fueled my passion, her
teeth teasingly tugging at my lower lip, a tantalizing blend of yearning and restraint.
My hands were about to feel the curve of her breast when her phone suddenly rang, snapping her out of the sexual haze
between us. She pulled away, blinked rapidly before reaching for her phone. “Hello, David?”
“Yeah, the dinner date is still on,” her words rumbled, causing my eyebrows to furrow. How could she contemplate going on a
date with another man immediately after sharing such a passionate kiss with me? “Let’s schedule it for the two in the morning,”
she suggested, a hint of urgency in her tone, “I’m dealing with something that’s going to delay me.” A brief pause followed.
“Alright, then. I’ll see you in the morning.” And with that, she ended the call.
Driven by a surge of jealousy and desperation, I blurted out without restraint, “Stay the night.” My words hung in the air, pregnant
with unspoken implications. “I won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with, but please, just stay.”
Returning the necklace to the box, she closed it and clutched it before rising to her feet. “I’m sorry, Ravel, but I really have to
leave,” she said, her voice tinged with a mix of regret and finality.
Glancing at the wall clock, I noted, “It’s nearly eight in the evening.”
Her
response came measured, as if calculating her next move. “If I head out now, I should be back home before three,” she stated,
her grip on the box steady. “Thank you for the gift and the surprise party, I genuinely appreciate it.” With those words, she began
to walk out of the room.
I followed in her wake, my determination to ensure her safe departure unwavering. “At least let me drop you off at the airport,” I
offered, my voice carrying a mix of insistence and concern.
Chapter 72
Elenor’s voice interjected, seemingly from out of nowhere. “I’ll handle that,” she said firmly. “I have something important to
discuss with her.” An exasperated glare from me was met with an unconcerned shrug from my sister. “You’ll see her again,
Ravel,” Elenor assured, her words laced with a sense of promise that she definitely knew not how to fulfill.
Hazel bid her farewell and departed from the room. Positioned by the floor-length glass window, I observed the unfolding scene
outside. She and Elenor were embroiled in what appeared to be a fervent exchange, their body language betraying the intensity
of their conversation. Eventually, Hazel’s frustration boiled over, and she stormed towards the waiting car, slamming the door
shut in her wake.

As the car pulled away from the driveway, Elenor remained behind, a decision that left me both perplexed and intrigued.
Didn’t she say she was going with her to the airport?