[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 142: Make you mine, kitten

Ryder spent hours meticulously planning a "chance" meeting with Noah, reviewing every detail of Noah’s schedule for the next few days.

He had hired a discreet private investigator to track Noah’s business events and, after some digging, learned that Noah would be attending a high-profile business gathering filled with elite entrepreneurs and investors.

Ryder smirked to himself, convinced that this would be the perfect opportunity to stage an encounter. He chuckled at how silly it all felt—he wasn’t usually one to go to such lengths, but Noah had been avoiding him for too long. This time, Ryder was determined to get in his space, no matter how ridiculous his plans seemed.

The event itself was hosted at an extravagant hotel ballroom, the kind where the walls shimmered with gold accents and the chandeliers sparkled like diamonds. Businesspeople mingled in groups, glasses of champagne in hand, discussing deals, mergers, and opportunities.

Noah thrived in environments like this, and tonight was no different. He was in his element, effortlessly closing business deals left and right. His charm, intelligence, and business acumen were on full display, and people were flocking to him.

For Noah, it was refreshing to be surrounded by work again, drowning out personal worries with the thrill of making money. He could almost forget about Ryder as he threw himself into these deals, shaking hands and making connections. He felt alive again, a spark returning to his eyes that had been dulled by heartbreak.

A group of businessmen Noah had been talking to were praising him endlessly. "You’re an impressive man, Noah. The way you handle negotiations at such a young age—it’s inspiring. You remind me of someone else."

"Really? Who?" Noah asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes, you should meet him. He’s just as sharp as you are."

Before Noah could respond, he saw a figure approaching them from the corner of his eye, and his heart dropped.

It was Ryder. Of course, it was.

Noah’s face instantly hardened and he felt his stomach twist. Ryder, dressed impeccably as always, smirked when he caught Noah’s gaze.

One of the businessmen smiled broadly, unaware of the tension crackling between the two. "Noah, I’d like to introduce you to Ryder. You two are bound to get along."

Ryder extended his hand with a raised eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Pleasure to meet you."

Noah smiled politely at the group of men, his voice smooth and calm, despite the irritation bubbling beneath his skin. "Excuse me for a moment," he said, completely ignoring Ryder’s hand as he walked away.

Ryder’s smirk only grew. "Feisty as ever, huh?" he muttered to himself, watching Noah’s retreating figure. This was going to be fun.

Ryder couldn’t take his eyes off Noah. Every time someone approached Noah to chat, whether it was a man or a woman, Ryder felt a pang of jealousy twist in his gut. His jaw tightened whenever Noah laughed at something someone said or flashed that disarming smile of his. How could Noah be so friendly and warm with them when he was so cold and distant with Ryder?

Ryder finally snapped when he saw an older man leaning too close to Noah, laughing at something Noah said. Ryder stormed over to them, his possessiveness getting the better of him.

He smoothly interrupted, "Sorry to break this up, but I need to speak with Noah for a moment."

The man, recognizing Ryder instantly, straightened up and extended his hand. "Mr Ryder! It’s an honour. I’ve been meaning to speak with you about a potential partnership."

Ryder smiled tightly, his eyes flicking between the man and Noah, but his focus was solely on getting Noah away from this interaction. "I’d be happy to discuss that at another time. But right now, I need a word with Noah."

The man eagerly handed Ryder his business card, sensing an opportunity. "Of course, of course. I’ll follow up later." He shot a smile at Noah before making his exit.

Noah, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, watched Ryder with a mix of irritation and suspicion. "What the hell do you want now? And what are you doing here? Are you stalking me?"

Ryder shrugged, his usual smug grin plastered across his face. "Just wanted to talk to you. Is that a crime?"

Noah sighed, already exhausted by Ryder’s antics. "Ryder, I’m working here. You can’t just—"

Ryder cut him off, his tone dropping slightly, more serious now. "I know you’re working. But I can’t just stand here and watch you act like I don’t exist."

Noah glared at him. "That’s exactly what I’m trying to do."

Ryder’s smirk faded, and for a moment, his expression softened. "I’m sorry, okay? I know I messed up. But I’m not giving up on you."

Noah rolled his eyes, clearly not in the mood to entertain Ryder’s games. "Well, too bad. I’m done with you."

Ryder stepped closer, lowering his voice so no one else could hear. "I won’t stop fighting for you. I’ll do whatever it takes."

Noah scoffed, brushing past Ryder as he walked away again. "Do me a favour, Ryder, and don’t."

Noah turned to leave once again, but Ryder leaned casually against a pillar, his voice low and teasing as he called after him, "If you walk away, I swear I’ll follow you everywhere. And trust me, you don’t want to see the headlines tomorrow morning. ’Ryder stalks his ex-lover at a business gala’—not a good look, huh?"

Ryder wasn’t entirely serious, but to his surprise, Noah halted in his tracks. He spun around, glaring at Ryder with such intensity that if looks could kill, Ryder would be six feet under. Noah’s jaw tightened, and Ryder could almost see the fiery frustration building behind those sharp eyes. But Ryder, ever the provocateur, took a slow sip of his drink, enjoying the sight.

"Oh, come on, Doll face. You know you can’t resist me forever," Ryder taunted, the smirk never leaving his face.

Noah’s eyes narrowed, his voice laced with biting sarcasm. "Ryder, the only thing I can’t resist is the urge to punch that smug smile off your face."

Ryder chuckled, amused by Noah’s fiery response. "Ah, there it is. That spark. You remind me of a little feral kitten, all claws and teeth." He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "It’s been so long, doll face. I’m not saying I didn’t screw up—I did. But I’ve realised something...I love you."

Noah’s eyes twitched, a flicker of shock breaking through his guarded expression. For the first time, he saw something in Ryder’s eyes that felt genuine. The sincerity made his heart stutter for a moment, but then the memories came flooding back—memories of the pain, the betrayal, and the endless hurt. It was like a weight crushing his chest, pushing any sliver of hope out of reach.

Noah’s voice was quieter now, but it carried a weight that hit Ryder harder than any punch. "Maybe you can’t feel it, but every time I see you, I feel pain. Every time I look at your face, I’m reminded of what you did to me. You don’t get it, right? You shattered me, Ryder."

Ryder’s smirk fell, his heart tightening at Noah’s words. For the first time in a long while, he felt regret settle deep in his bones. This wasn’t just a game anymore. "That’s why I’m asking for a chance. One chance. I know I messed up, but I want to make it right. Let me try—"

Noah shook his head, cutting Ryder off. His voice was steady but filled with finality. "Not everything gets a second chance, Ryder. The first time was enough, and you already destroyed it."

Their eyes met, the silence between them heavy with pain. For a brief moment, Ryder saw the pain he had caused reflected in Noah’s gaze, and it was like a knife twisting in his chest. He wanted to say something, anything, to change Noah’s mind, but the words wouldn’t come. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

Noah took a deep breath, tearing his eyes away from Ryder’s. "Goodbye, Ryder."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ryder standing in the middle of the crowded room, feeling more alone than he ever had before.

But Ryder wasn’t done—not by a long shot. As the event started to wind down, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen and read the message that popped up.

"It’s done, Sir."

Ryder’s lips curled into a dark, wicked smirk. His eyes flicked to where Noah was making his exit, weaving through the crowd as if he could escape. Ryder, however, had no intention of letting that happen.

He quickly typed a reply. _"Good. You’ll be paid well for your work."_

Slipping the phone back into his pocket, Ryder’s smirk deepened. His gaze locked onto Noah, and he could practically taste the satisfaction on his tongue. He trailed after Noah like a predator hunting its prey, his footsteps slow and deliberate, each one filled with calculated intent.

As the distance between them closed, Ryder murmured under his breath, just loud enough for himself to hear, "You can try to run, little kitten, but you can’t hide from me. Not when I’ve already decided to make you mine again."

His eyes gleamed with something dark and possessive, watching Noah’s oblivious back as he left the event. Ryder’s fingers brushed against the side of his glass, tapping it lightly as an amused, sinister chuckle escaped him.

"Run all you want, kitten," Ryder whispered to himself, his grin spreading like a devil plotting his next move. "But sooner or later, you’ll be right where you belong—back in my claws."

With that, Ryder followed Noah into the night, his expression twisted into something far more dangerous than just desire. This time, he wasn’t just playing games—this time, he was in it for the kill.