Chapter 409
Chapter 409
When Niamh spotted Jonathan waiting downstairs outside her building, she was genuinely surprised.
She looked around for Jonathan’s flashy sports car, but it was nowhere in sight. He was bundled up in heavier clothes than usual, which made her wonder if he hadn’t driven at all but had actually walked here.
Elmer pulled the car to a stop, parking right in front of Jonathan.
From inside the car, Niamh and Elmer could see Jonathan clearly–and he could see them just as well.
Jonathan’s displeasure was written all over his face, his brows drawn together in a visible frown.
The moment Niamh stepped out, Elmer got out, too.
It was obvious to Jonathan that Elmer was all bristling protectiveness, as if he half–expected him to pick a fight with Niamh. Jonathan couldn’t help but shrug and give a half–smile.
“Aren’t you going to invite me up for a bit?”
Niamh noticed the tip of Jonathan’s nose was red from the cold. He must have been waiting out here for quite a while.
She couldn’t help her surprise.
Before their divorce, she couldn’t remember a single time Jonathan had gone out of his way to show up in front of her like this.
“If you have something to say, just say it here.”
Her answer didn’t catch Jonathan off guard–he’d half expected it. Still, actually hearing her voice, so much colder than he’d imagined, stung a little more than he
cared to admit.
“It’s freezing out here,” Jonathan said evenly.
“Then let’s talk in your car…” Niamh began, glancing around for his vehicle. Jonathan cut in quietly, I didn’t drive. I walked.”
So he really did walk here! Niamh thought with a touch of disbelief.
But from where? The Thomas Group? Or maybe that uptown apartment, Jade Peak? Either way, it was a long trek, especially in the middle of winter. Why on
נו 1
20:30
Chapter 409
earth would he leave his car and walk, of all things?
She caught herself wondering–could Jonathan have done this on purpose, just to put her in a position where she’d have to let him in?
They stood facing each other, awkward tension hanging between them.
After a moment, Elmer broke the silence. “I have my car. You two can talk inside if you want.”
“No need.” Jonathan declined immediately.
Niamh patted Elmer lightly on the arm. “It’s fine. You should head home.”
“But-”
“If anything comes up, I’ll call you.”
Elmer opened his mouth, then closed it, drawing in a sharp breath. He didn’t argue
further.
He definitely did not like the idea of leaving Niamh alone with Jonathan–especially not upstairs, in her own apartment. But he also didn’t want to smother Niamh with
overprotectiveness.
In the end, Elmer just watched silently as Niamh led Jonathan inside.
He knew she was urging him to leave because she was aware how busy he’d been at work lately and wanted him to get some rest. But with Jonathan now inside her apartment, the last thing Elmer wanted to do was drive away.
He got back into his car, but didn’t start the engine.
Upstairs, Jonathan stepped into Niamh’s home.
It wasn’t his first time inside the old building on Trinity Lane, but it was the first time he really took in the details–the way she’d arranged everything.
The place wasn’t big, but it had everything she needed. Niamh hadn’t renovated, et somehow the apartment had a quiet charm and a touch of elegance.
She hadn’t spent much, but the result was remarkable.
Jonathan couldn’t help but think of Jade Peak–the apartment that had been their marital home.
Back then, his mother had chosen every detail of the décor. Niamh never had a say, and never fought for one. But after the wedding, he’d once mentioned how much he disliked his mother’s tacky taste. Gradually, the place had begun to change. The
2/3
20:30
Chapter 409
cheap glitz gave way, little by little, to something softer, more refined.
20-30
