Her voice held that familiar husky tang, and it made the hairs rise on the back of his neck. Mia didn't wait for him to answer. She settled into the chair opposite his desk with the same poise she'd carried since they were teenagers.
"It's Amanda," she continued, not beating around the bush. "She's in a bad way—she's not coping, Ronin. She's been neglecting Jenny. I've tried to talk sense into her, but..." She gave a delicate shrug. "Well, you know Amanda."
Ronin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes, I do,unfortunately. Too well."
Mia's eyes lingered on him. Then her tone changed. "Why Amanda, Ronin?"
He froze. "I—"
"Was it because she looks so much like me?" Mia asked softly, tilting her head.
His throat closed tight. He stammered, but no words came.
Mia's smile was faint, almost sad. "You don't have to say anything. I was just...trying to understand." She leaned back, watching him closely. "I know Amanda targeted you. Mum and Dad are furious with her. James came and talked to me. But..."She paused, eyes glinting. "I can't help wondering if you missed me. Was that why…"
Her eyes were still beautiful, the kind that he would get lost in, remembering late nights and reckless youth. But beneath the softness, he caught it—a sliver of calculation sliding in like a blade.
"You're free now," she murmured. "And I'm divorced. Ronin, I've thought about you so many times over the years. If..."
His stomach turned. He pushed back his chair and stood abruptly. "Mia, stop."
She blinked, startled.
"Leave." His voice was raw. "Just leave. And ask your bloody sister to stop bothering me."
Her game face slipped for a second before she recovered. But then she rose, gathering her bag with a graceful shrug.
When the door closed behind her, Ronin rushed into the ensuite to empty the contents of his stomach. Then he staggered back before he sagged against the edge of his desk, bile rising in his throat again. He felt physically sick—not just at her, but at himself. For the choices he had made, for the weakness that had led him here. He was the lowest of the low.
Sage could not help the sinking feeling in her gut. It was over between them, but Mia's name only dredged up old insecurities that had never died. She listened as Ronin haltingly explained what happened, not quite able to meet her eyes.
"She's been neglecting her little girl but does not want to give up custody to James. And Mia..." He shook his head, a grim smile without humour. "She's divorced now. More...mature, orso she claims. But the minute she opened her mouth, I realised I'd been holding on to nothing but an illusion. And that has cost me everything."
He rubbed the back of his neck, eyes distant. "She's still the same—aggressive and entitled. She even suggested the resemblance between her and Amanda was what drew me to Amanda in the first place. I just stood there, like I'd been struck by lightning, and then I asked her to leave."
Sage stayed quiet, watching him.
"As for Amanda..." His voice lowered. "She's been showing up at my company flat, won't leave me alone. I am going to have to move to another place."
He paused, his gaze heavy with something close to guilt. "She looked unwell. Said James is divorcing her, and he's claiming full custody of Jenny, playing hardball. Don't blame him. Amanda asked me to help."
"And?"
"I refused." His eyes were glazed, the admission raw. "I couldn't do it, not again."
"Do you want to keep the house?" she asked abruptly.
He blinked. "What?"
"It's been two weeks since the deed of gift came through. It's in my name now."
His face tightened. "Sage..."
"I had grand ideas once," she admitted. "Socialising with your colleagues, your friends. Of playing the good wife. And I did it...for years. But I'm tired, Ronin. Maybe this house needs someone who loves it, and I don't anymore." She looked at him steadily. "I'd like to move closer to the city. Not so close that David can't go to his school. Also, he wants to do his A-levels at a St. Peter's there."
Ronin's jaw worked, then he said flatly, "No. I don't want the house."
Silence stretched between them.
