It took Niamh a moment to process what Jonathan had just said.
Her grip on her phone tightened until her knuckles turned white.
“What do you mean? What do you mean, we’re not getting divorced?”
“Exactly what it sounds like.”
Jonathan’s breezy, dismissive tone sent a wave of anger rushing through her.
She’d spent the whole day waiting–waiting for the reporters to finally leave so she and Jonathan could sign the divorce papers without an audience.
“Jonathan, are you messing with me?”
“My grandfather’s in the hospital.”
Niamh’s eyes widened.
“Because…of me?”
Jonathan only responded with a cold, humorless laugh.
That laugh carried two meanings to Niamh’s ears.
One was blame–that she’d caused such a scene and upset his grandfather.
The other was mocking–like she was overestimating her own importance.
She couldn’t tell which it was.
“Anyway, you haven’t shown up at work for days. No need to come in today, either.
I’ll have Prescott pick you up. We’re going to visit Grandpa together.”
11
‘…All right…”
In the end, Niamh agreed.
She didn’t really have a choice.
She could ignore Jonathan all she liked, but ignoring his grandfather was another matter entirely.
A short while later, Prescott arrived in a deep blue Bentley to collect her.
As Niamh slid into the car, she asked casually, “Aren’t we picking up Jonathan?”
“Mr. Thomas has his own ride.”
1/3
11:58
Prescott’s answer was vague, but Niamh Immediately pictured a certain someone:
Marina. Of course.
Prescott glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and caught the stormy look on her face. He silently wondered if he’d already said too much.
Meanwhile, in a flashy pink convertible, Jonathan sat in the passenger seat.
Marina was driving, and she’d just dropped him off at Serenity Springs Retreat, where Clifford was recovering.
“I’m sorry…”
Jonathan stepped out of the car and gave Marina an apologetic look.
“Grandpa’s not well, you know that. I can’t bring you inside.”
“I know… He doesn’t like me.”
Marina lowered her head and forced a smile, but her eyes were shining with tears.
“Marina…”
“It’s not your fault, Jonathan. You don’t need to feel guilty. I don’t want you to fight with your grandfather because of me. I… I’m happy just being by your side.”
Her voice trembled, cheeks flushed as she wrapped her arms around Jonathan’s
waist.
Jonathan hesitated, then slowly lifted his hand and rested it on the bare skin of
Marina’s back.
Across the parking lot, Niamh stood beside the blue Bentley, so still and silent she
seemed almost invisible.
Prescott got out and saw her staring blankly ahead, bewildered–until he followed her gaze and saw Jonathan and Marina entwined in an embrace.
He looked away awkwardly, the words “maybe don’t look” on the tip of his tongue.
At that moment, Jonathan still holding Marina–turned. His dark eyes met Niamh’s from across the lot.
For a moment, Niamh thought he’d let go of Marina now that he’d seen her.
But Jonathan didn’t move. His arms stayed around Marina; he didn’t even blink.
Suddenly, Niamh realized she was the one being presumptuous.
2/3
11:581
Chapter 123
Time seemed to freeze,
At the entrance to Serenity Springs Retreat, the four of them stood like statues, as if someone had pressed pause on the world.
Finally, Marina stepped back, and only then did Jonathan lower his arm.
Marina turned, acting as if she’d just noticed Niamh, and slipped her arm through Jonathan’s as they walked over.
“Niamh, I’m leaving Jonathan with you. Don’t forget to make sure he takes his medicine,” she said, as if Jonathan were something she owned.
Niamh said nothing.
Marina didn’t seem to notice, and returned to the car to fetch a massive bouquet of flowers.
“These are for Grandpa. Niamh, would you mind taking them inside for me?”
Niamh didn’t reach for them. “I’m not the maid.”
Marina paused, feigning surprise, then glanced at Jonathan for help.
He took the flowers from her.
“Grandpa will appreciate them.”
“I’m glad. Well, I’ll be off, then.”
Marina waved at Jonathan, reluctant to leave.
He didn’t wave back, but his gaze followed her all the way.
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