CEO Ex-Husband, Don't Bother Me

Chapter 183 - 152: At Least I Still Have Her

But beyond being moved, her tears also flowed from heartache for him—heartache that he had cast aside his own dignity and pride just for her.

From the moment he stepped off stage, she had been searching ceaselessly for him. Beside her, Lillian Huxley took Joy into her arms, her eyes red-rimmed, and said to her, "He’s backstage. I think what he needs most right now is your answer..."

His song had not only brought Naomi Shaw to tears, but also everyone else in the audience who carried a story in their heart.

Tears streaming down her face, Naomi Shaw nodded and rose from her seat in the VIP section to leave. He needed her answer now, and she was desperate to give it to him. In truth, her answer was already obvious; he just had to use such a dramatic method to force her to admit it herself.

Once out of the main hall, she followed the signs, jogging down the winding corridors toward the backstage area. The song he had just sung kept replaying in her mind, along with the look on his face as he sang it—so intense and full of devotion it simply overwhelmed her.

Julian Donovan was waiting for her, leaning against the doorway of the backstage dressing room and smoking a cigarette. His hair, meticulously styled for his stage appearance, was expertly layered. He had already taken off his fitted black suit jacket due to the heat, leaving only an exquisitely tailored black shirt that highlighted his muscular chest.

Tonight was the first and only time in his life he had ever... put himself out there like this, swallowing his pride to win a woman’s favor.

When Felix Draper first suggested the idea, he had refused point-blank. But her subsequent cold shoulder and everything else that had happened made him realize something: doing this for the woman you love isn’t shameful. Failing to win her back—*that’s* shameful.

So he had agreed. He started practicing the song at every opportunity. Just choosing it had taken a long time; he felt the current pop hits were too flashy. Then one day, while driving, he heard this song on the radio. The lyrics struck a chord with him instantly, so he chose it.

’At least, he still had her.’

’During those lonely and even difficult years, at least he’d had her by his side.’

’And for the rest of his life, he hoped it would still be her, with him until the very end.’

Naomi Shaw jogged all the way to the backstage area. When she rounded a corner and saw him, she abruptly slowed her pace. She walked toward him slowly, step by step, suddenly afraid to get too close, fearing it was all a dream.

Julian Donovan saw her too. He stubbed out his cigarette and quietly lifted his gaze to watch her.

As she walked, Naomi Shaw picked up her pace again, then broke into a full sprint and flung herself into his arms. She was so afraid it was all a dream, terrified of waking up, but she had to hold on tight.

His embrace was warm and strong, enveloping her small frame completely. Neither of them spoke; they just held each other tightly. No kiss, no deep, loving gaze—just the embrace.

Sometimes, when emotions run deep enough, all words and actions become superfluous.

It wasn’t until the concert ended and a large crowd returned backstage that a knock came at the dressing room door. The two, who had been nestled together on the sofa, were startled to realize how quickly time had passed. Lillian Huxley appeared at the door, holding Joy and smiling at them. "Come on, time for the after-party!"

Naomi Shaw felt a little embarrassed. Julian Donovan emerged from behind her, reached out to take Joy, then put his arm around Naomi and followed the main group to the party.

The concert was a success, and the biggest winner was Sutton. As such, Sutton’s company arranged the entire celebration banquet. Of those in attendance, besides Felix Draper and Henry Hale, everyone else was part of a happy couple—including Julian Donovan and Naomi Shaw, who had just reconciled tonight.

Henry Hale was his usual cold, quiet self. Felix Draper, however, had shed his typical playful demeanor and wore a terrifyingly cold expression the entire time. The rumor was that after organizing this world tour for Joel Holt, Sarah Sutton would be heading to England... to get married.

Sarah Sutton, for her part, completely ignored his cold face, drinking calmly with everyone else. They were all waiting for Felix Draper to explode. Sure enough, after Sarah downed several glasses of liquor in a row with a few people, Felix slammed his glass down in anger, strode forward, and forcibly dragged her out.

Once the two of them left, the previously suppressed atmosphere finally became cheerful. It was as if everyone had been afraid of upsetting Felix. Now, the group of close friends began toasting each other freely. Willow Summers was still angry with Walter Jennings for not letting her wear a formal dress. She grew even more incensed when she saw Lillian Huxley and Shani Linton in their stunning little dresses, snuggled up next to their husbands.

After she gave him the cold shoulder all evening, Walter Jennings finally gave in. He personally peeled her favorite braised prawns and placed them in her bowl. But she just snorted and gave him a provocative look. "You can sing a little song for me, too. Then maybe I’ll forgive you!"

Her words earned her a displeased glare from Julian Donovan. ’A little song?’ he thought disdainfully. ’As if he were some ancient street performer. The nerve.’

Willow Summers was just being difficult, but she never expected Walter Jennings to actually swallow his pride. He gazed at her for a long moment and then really began to sing, "I say my eyes see only you, you are the miracle of my life. I hope we can move heaven and earth, let us be together in life and death, never to be parted."

The crowd started cheering and clapping along to the beat. In the end, the one singing didn’t blush, but the one who’d demanded the song did.

After the party broke up, everyone went their separate ways. Since Julian Donovan had been drinking, Naomi Shaw drove him and Joy home. The happy, fulfilling life she had dreamed of for so many years was finally coming true: to love a man, have his children, and grow old with him by her side.

As soon as they got home, Julian Donovan flopped onto the sofa, tipsy. He hadn’t drunk that much; it was more that his current blissful mood made him feel too lazy to move. Lying there on the sofa, he watched her bustling in and out, his heart filled with infinite tenderness.