[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 117: A new journey of Noah and Ryder

Noah sat at the head of the table as he reviewed the latest reports. His reputation as a money-thirsty man preceded him, and everyone in the company knew better than to disappoint him. His presence alone commanded respect, his strong aura filling the room. Some feared him, others respected him, but all knew that Noah was not a man to be crossed.

His sharp eyes scanned the numbers on the screen. He’s a man who thrived on power and control, someone who had learned to rely on himself from a young age. With both parents living abroad, Noah had grown accustomed to being alone, mastering the art of independence. It had shaped him into the formidable force he’s today—a man who pursued success with an unwavering focus.

As the meeting droned on, Noah’s phone buzzed in his pocket. Normally, he wouldn’t have even acknowledged it, but something nudged him to check.

Discreetly, he glanced down and saw a message from Ash: Elijah and I are getting married!

A rare smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. For a brief moment, the cold exterior melted away, replaced by genuine warmth. But he quickly composed himself, aware of the eyes watching him. The smile faded as he slipped his phone back into his pocket, returning his attention to the meeting as if nothing had happened.

Once the meeting concluded, he wasted no time in heading to his office.

But before he could fully settle in, the door opened, and Ash came bounding in, a bundle of energy and happiness. "Noah!"

Without hesitation, Ash jumped into his arms, and Noah caught him, a chuckle escaping his lips. It had been a week since Ash and Elijah had returned, and from what Noah could gather, the two had been inseparable—going on dates and making love, living in their own little bubble of bliss.

Noah held Ash for a moment before gently setting him down. "Hey, dummy," he greeted warmly, his voice softening in a way it rarely did with anyone else. "You look good. How are you actually doing?"

Ash’s face lit up with a smile. "I’m doing great. Really, everything’s...perfect."

Noah raised an eyebrow, reading between the lines. "You sure? No need to put on a brave face with me."

Ash hesitated for a moment, then shrugged, "I guess...? Everything’s changed so fast. But I’m happy, really."

Noah nodded. He moved to his desk and picked up the phone, ordering an array of desserts and snacks for Ash. "Let’s not talk about the heavy stuff right now. How about some sweets? You still love those, right?"

Ash’s eyes brightened at the mention of desserts. "You know me too well," he laughed.

Noah smiled, sitting down on the couch next to Ash as they waited for the treats to arrive. He may have been a man driven by power and success, but when it came to Ash, he was always the protective, caring figure—someone who would go to great lengths to ensure Ash’s happiness.

Noah settled back on the couch as Ash dug into his cake, a small smile playing on his lips. But Noah’s thoughts lingered on something else. He hesitated for a moment, then looked at Ash with a rare expression of guilt.

"Ash," he began, his voice softer than usual, "are you...angry with me? For telling Elijah where you were?"

Ash paused, the forkful of cake halfway to his mouth. He looked at Noah, surprised by the question.

Slowly, a smile spread across his face. "Honestly? I’m kind of glad you did. If you hadn’t, I might not be as happy as I am now."

Noah’s shoulders relaxed at Ash’s words, but Ash could see the lingering concern in his eyes. To lighten the mood, Noah teased, "Look at you, so head over heels that you’re even grateful for my betrayal."

Ash chuckled, his cheeks flushing a light pink. "Well, you did me a favour, I guess. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been."

But then, Ash’s curiosity got the better of him. "But, Noah," he started, glancing at his friend with a curious glint in his eyes, "how did Ryder manage to make you tell him? Did he...blackmail you or something?"

The moment Ryder’s name left Ash’s lips, the atmosphere turned dark. Noah’s face hardened, his eyes darkening with a storm of hatred and anger that Ash had never seen before. His usual composed demeanour was gone, replaced by a fierce, almost terrifying intensity. Noah’s fists clenched tightly, the knuckles turning white as if he were holding back a flood of rage.

Ash was taken aback, his mouth slightly open in shock. "Noah...?"

But before Ash could say more, Noah forced himself to calm down, his expression smoothing over like a mask being put back in place. He quickly changed the topic, his voice controlled but still carrying an edge. "Did you start that shopping you were talking about?"

Ash blinked, momentarily thrown by the sudden shift. He blushed, thinking of how he’d spent most of his time lately. "Uh...well, I’ve been...busy."

Noah raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Busy, huh? With what?"

Ash’s face turned even redder. There was no way he was going to tell Noah about the endless hours he and Elijah had spent tangled up in each other. "That’s actually why I came to see you," Ash deflected, hoping to steer the conversation to safer grounds. "I’m looking for some good shops. I figured you’d know where to go."

Noah’s smile returned, this time more relaxed. "Why not ask Elijah to take you?"

"Noah, don’t tease me!" he cried out, rolling his eyes playfully.

It’s not like he hasn’t tried. But every time he mentions shopping, Elijah distracts him with sex.

Noah couldn’t help but laugh, the sound echoing through the room. "I see how it is. So, you’ve come to me for help because I’m the only one who can resist your charms, huh?"

Ash nodded, laughing along with him. "Exactly! So, are you free to help?"

Noah’s expression softened, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I’m always free for you."

Ash threw his arms around Noah, hugging him tightly. "Thanks, Noah. You’re the best."

Noah hugged him back, a small, content smile on his face. Despite the lingering tension from earlier, he felt at peace in this moment, knowing that he could still be there for Ash, no matter what. "Anything for you."

As Noah and Ash pulled up to the mall, Ash’s phone buzzed with a call from Elijah. "Hey, babe," Ash answered, his voice bright with excitement. "We just got here."

"Perfect," Elijah’s voice came through, warm and full of affection. "I’m waiting by the entrance. I can’t wait to see you. I miss you so damn much."

Ash’s smile widened as he hung up, practically bouncing out of the car. Noah followed, his usual calm demeanour masking the slight unease that had settled in his gut. But the moment they walked through the entrance, that unease turned into something colder.

There, standing next to Elijah, was Ryder. His hands were casually tucked into his pockets, his stance relaxed as if he had all the time in the world. But the sharpness in his eyes was anything but casual.

Ash, oblivious to the sudden tension, rushed forward and flung his arms around Elijah’s neck. "Elijah!" he exclaimed, his voice full of love and happiness. Elijah caught him with ease, pulling him close and kissing his cheek. They exchanged sweet words and soft touches, completely wrapped up in each other.

Noah, however, had stopped dead in his tracks. His gaze had locked onto Ryder the moment they entered the mall, and now he felt as if the ground had fallen out from under him. His entire body stiffened, anger and something deeper, more unsettling, churning inside him.

Ryder’s eyes flicked to Noah’s, and for a brief second, their gazes met. There was no mistaking the challenge in Ryder’s eyes, a silent taunt that sent a wave of fury through Noah. But before the tension could escalate, Noah tore his eyes away, looking anywhere but at Ryder. His hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into his palms as he fought to keep his composure.

Ash and Elijah, still in their own little world, didn’t notice the charged atmosphere between the two men. They were too busy exchanging sweet kisses and loving whispers, lost in the joy of being together. Ash’s laugh rang out as Elijah said something funny to him completely unaware of the silent battle of wills happening just a few feet away.

Noah forced himself to take a deep breath, pushing down the anger that threatened to spill over. He needed to stay focused, to keep his emotions in check. He couldn’t afford to let Ryder get under his skin. But the sight of Ryder standing there, so confident and unbothered, made Noah’s blood boil.

As Elijah and Ash finally pulled apart, Ash turned to look at Noah, his smile still wide and bright. "Noah, come on! Let’s go inside!"

Noah forced a tight smile. "I...need to leave. I think I’m not feeling well."

Without waiting for an answer, he turned around to leave. Ash was surprised but before he could ask anything, Ryder ran past him and after Noah.

"I think I’m not feeling good as well. I’m leaving first, you two continue shopping!"