Page 2 of Summer in Kentbury
It’s not like there’s much to do here. LuxLumens is currently closed due to the legal dispute. Things are so twisted that I can’t even create new designs without worrying about intellectual property rights. That’s how much Theo twisted things and why there has to be an investigation before the judge decides who owns LL.
“Of course, I’m right. When was I ever wrong?” Ruby chuckles through the phone, her laughter likewind chimes on a breezy summer day. “Pack up some things, drive down tomorrow, and just breathe, Sis. Breathe without the stench of betrayal choking you.”
I laugh despite myself, feeling the weight on my chest lighten a little. “Okay, okay, you win. Kentbury it is. Maybe a little peace will do me some good.”
“Exactly,” Ruby confirms, and I can practically hear her grin through the phone. “And who knows? Maybe you’ll find something—or someone—that’ll make you want to stay.”
I snort, rolling my eyes even though she can’t see me. “Right, because Kentbury is just teeming with eligible bachelors who appreciate a woman with a broken heart and a failing business.”
“Stop it. Your business isn’t failing and he only hurt your pride,” Ruby corrects me. “And if the guys you meet only care about those two things, then it’s a blessing that they don’t give you a second glance.”
“Fine, I’ll cancel my pity party subscription and brace myself for a ‘life-altering’ summer in the sticks,” I retort, and end the call.
The idea of finding anything in Kentbury other than peace and quiet seems far-fetched. But peace and quiet are exactly what I need.
I start packing, my mind already drifting to the serene view of the lake, the way the sunlight dances on the ripples, and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and the cool, refreshing water as I dive in, washing away the stress and heartache of the past few months.
Kentbury, with all its quaint charm and slow-paced life, waits for me. And for the first time in months, I’m allowing myself to feel a sliver of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this is exactly where I need to be.It’s time to leave the chaos of the city behind and rediscover the peace and simplicity of my childhood haven.
Who knows what surprises await me in Kentbury? Like inspiration for a new line of lamps or . . . something. I’m ready for the magic.
Chapter Two
Sinclair
I reclinein my plush leather chair, eyes roaming over the Boston skyline from the penthouse suite of McFolley Capital. The office is a fortress of polished wood and shimmering chrome, every square inch screaming of conquests and capitalism. As I’m admiring the view, my phone buzzes—a not-so-gentle reminder of the call I’ve beendreading. It’s Clara.
Clara, the woman I married at twenty-three because it seemed like the next step to take on my journey to the top of the corporate world. Though, I divorced her at twenty-eight because she couldn’t be attached to the Tin Man for the rest of her natural life.
I’m not exactly sure what she expected from me. I gave her everything she needed, even the fucking divorce when she asked for it. And per our prenuptial agreement, I will have to pay her alimony until she turns fifty or gets married—whatever happens first.
She insists that she’s met the love of her life and she’d rather renounce the monthly fifty thousand dollars I give her and the house in Beacon Hill than live without him.
I don’t understand how she’s willing to give it all up—the alimony, the house, the status—for “love.” I snort in disgust. What value does love have in the real world? You can’t pay bills with love, can’t leverage it to secure business deals or investments.
Love is impractical, a fool’s errand.
I can’t understand her logic. The man is a teacher in some public high school and makes almost nothing. I told her to think about her choices before she ruined her life.
Maybe, just maybe, she’ll come to her senses and call it off.
But deep down, I know that’s wishful thinking. My ex-wife is stubborn and determined, and she’s about to make a huge mistake. I rub my temples, feeling a headache coming on at the mere thought of her impending nuptials.
I take a deep breath and tap the screen of my phone, preparing myself for the conversation ahead. “Hello, Clara.”
“Sinclair.” Her voice comes through the speaker, calm and collected like a seasoned news anchor. “I wanted to go over the logistics for next week with you. You know, with the wedding and everything . . .”
“Logistics?” I scoff, my disbelief evident in my raised eyebrows. I lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair as I try to process her words. “You’re actually going through with this?”
There’s a brief pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost picture her standing tall and proud, ready to defend her decision. “Yes, Sinclair. I am. And I would appreciate it if you could be supportive or at least not openly hostile.”
I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head even though she can’t see me. “Supportive? You want me to support you throwing your life away for some guy who can barely afford to buy you a decent ring?”
“Listen, I’m going through with it,” Clara says, her voice filled with a determined edge. “It’s hard for you to understand why I’m giving up everything you offered, but I’m in love and I need to officially give you back the house.” She pauses, and I can hear her take a deep breath. “Plus sign your documents, but I don’t have time to go to your lawyer and mine charges too much by the hour for something I think we can do amicably as adults.”
“Yeah, but . . .” I start, my words trailing as I search for the right tone. It’s not that I still love her, but the whole ‘her getting married’ thing has stirredup more than I’d like to admit. “You’re really going through with this, huh? What if it ends up in divorce? This time it’ll be you having to pay alimony and . . . it’s not logical, Clara.”
There’s a brief pause, a crackle of tension over the line. “Yes, Sinclair, I am. He’s giving me what I know I want and so desperately need: love, a family—happiness for the rest of my life.”
