Outside the Thomas Estate, Niamh had just finished bidding farewell to the last of Clifford’s friends. It was about time for her to leave as well.
Not far away, Marina lingered, clearly at loose ends, but she didn’t leave either.
Niamh knew exactly why–Marina was waiting for Jonathan.
Other than last night, when Niamh and Jonathan had returned together to help prepare for the birthday dinner, Marina had hardly let Jonathan out of her sight. The two of them had been inseparable.
At last, Jonathan emerged from the house. Dusk had settled, painting the estate in
muted shadows.
Niamh started forward, meaning to say goodbye. She was still, after all, the
Thomas family’s daughter–in–law, and she’d already taken the time to say goodbye. to Sprague and Marigold. It didn’t feel right to leave Jonathan out.
“Jonathan, I’m heading out…”
“I’ll drive you,” he said, cutting her off.
Niamh paused, caught off guard.
Jonathan’s handsome face betrayed nothing. After speaking to her, he turned to Marina, who had hurried over. “Prescott will be here soon. He’ll take you home.”
Marina’s eyes widened in disbelief, though her shock only lasted a moment.
“…Okay. I understand.”
She ducked her head, the disappointment plain on her face.
of
Even Niamh, who tried not to get involved, couldn’t help but feel a pang sympathy. Marina’s fragile, forlorn look could tug at anyone’s heartstrings.
“Jonathan, I get it. I’d never put you in a difficult spot,” Marina murmured, forcing a brave smile as she met his gaze, her eyes brimming with longing.
It was obvious to her that/Clifford must have had a word with Jonathan.
Prescott’s car soon rolled up.
For the first time, Jonathan didn’t offer to drive Marina himself but handed her off to Prescott instead.
Still, he walked her all the way to Prescott’s car. The way the two of them reluctant to part, was impossible to miss. Watching them, Niamh lost an ride with Jonathan.
Only after Prescott’s car disappeared down the drive did Jonathan return to her
“I can get home on my own,” she said quietly.
“I’ll take you,” Jonathan replied, his tone cold and final.
Niamh saw the ice in his eyes. He was only doing this because his grandfather had asked him to. She sighed inwardly. She knew the old man meant well, but honestly, it was unnecessary–for both her and Jonathan.
As usual, Niamh tried to slip into the back seat, but Jonathan stopped her. “Sit up front. I need to talk to you.”
He opened the passenger door for her, leaving her no choice.
The black Maybach sped off, smooth and silent.
Ten minutes passed. Jonathan still hadn’t said a word. The silence grew heavy, pressing in. The air conditioning was so cold, Niamh sneezed.
“Let’s get back together.”
She was still covering her mouth when the words hit her. She turned to Jonathan in disbelief.
He kept his eyes on the road, face unreadable.
Niamh wondered if she’d misheard–until he repeated, without warning, “Let’s get back together.”
“What did you say?”
Jonathan slammed on the brakes. Niamh was grateful for her seatbelt; otherwise, she might’ve been thrown forward.
The Maybach came to a stop by the side of the road. Without the glow of streetlights, the car all but vanished into the inky night.
Inside the car, Niamh suddenly felt uneasy.
The area around the estate was remote, not a soul in sight. It was late, and she was, alone in a confined space with Jonathan.
And despite his words, there wasn’t a trace of warmth or reconciliation in his expression. His entire demeanor was cold as ice.
Chapter 67
“Jonathan, there’s no need for us to pretend. Why not just let each other go and get the divorce over with?”
“Oh, right. You keep talking about divorce, but you go out of your way to win my grandfather’s favor–spending a fortune just to get him to pressure me. Niamh, your really know how to play the game.”
Chapter 83
This time, Niamh finally c
