Chapter 318
Susy’s dinner party was set for the evening, but during the day, Jim had invited everyone out for a round of golf.
“I’m really not much of a golfer,” Niamh admitted honestly to Jane as they sat in the clubhouse lounge.
“Well, I’m actually pretty decent at it. Why don’t I keep you company?” piped up Marina from nearby, clearly eager to be noticed.
Niamh glanced at her. Marina was already dressed to impress, her outfit chosen with obvious care for maximum attention.
Niamh couldn’t help but remember the last time she and Jonathan had accompanied one of Clifford’s old army buddies and his son for a round of golf–only to “accidentally” run into Marina there as well.
Back then, Marina had been the picture of sporty charm: pink–and–white collared polo, matching pleated golf skirt, hair pulled back in a bouncing ponytail. She’d played with effortless grace, sinking a hole–in–one that earned her the admiration of everyone on the course. Even Clifford’s friend’s son, who had barely glanced at Niamh all afternoon, couldn’t take his eyes off Marina.
Today, Marina was just as striking. Although it was winter, Blackspire was a bit milder than Aldonia, so the outdoor course was still open. Marina wore a white thermal top under a pink quilted vest, the shade matching the soft pink beanie perched atop her head–her entire look calculated for maximum effect.
Marina chatted with Jane about golf for a good while, and Niamh assumed Jane would end up pairing with her.
But instead, Jane turned to Niamh with a smile. “Honestly, I’m not very good either. Let’s stick together and practice!”
She took Niamh’s hand and led her onto the course, leaving Marina awkwardly
alone on the sidelines.
Jane led Niamh straight over to Jonathan. “I’ve heard Mr. Thomas is quite the golfer–maybe he can give you a few pointers?”
Niamh’s gaze met Jonathan’s. His eyes always seemed impossibly deep, like a midnight sky scattered with stars.
“Sure, I’ll teach you,” Jonathan said, his smile gentle.
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Chapter 318
No one watching them would guess that the two of them were on the verge of divorce–or perhaps, Niamh thought, already divorced.
That morning, Jonathan had told her he’d handed their signed divorce papers to Prescott, who would take care of the court filing. Divorce was a straightforward process in Blackspire; if all went smoothly, Jonathan would be able to give her the official documents at Susy’s dinner that night.
So unless something unexpected happened, after Julian and Susy’s wedding, she and Jonathan would be nothing more than strangers to each other.
“What are you thinking about?” Jonathan asked, leaning down so close it seemed his forehead might brush hers.
“Nothing,” Niamh replied, turning away, but Jonathan caught her hand before she could leave.
He was wearing thick winter golf gloves, so although he held her hand, she couldn’t feel his warmth. But then Jonathan slipped off one of his gloves and pulled it gently onto her own hand. Now, Niamh’s fingers were wrapped in both the glove and his lingering warmth.
“You really don’t have to. I’m hopeless at this,” she protested.
“Don’t spoil the fun,” Jonathan replied quietly. Niamh couldn’t tell if it was a warning or just a gentle nudge.
So she let herself be guided by Jonathan, following his instructions as he began to teach her how to swing.
Off to the side, Marina watched as Jonathan’s tall frame nearly enveloped Niamh, her frustration mounting with every affectionate gesture. She’d been hoping to wow everyone with a perfect hole–in–one like last time, but today her game was off and nothing was going right.
Irritated, she pulled out her phone and sent a message on WhatsApp to joker:
Are you ready yet?!
She waited, growing more anxious as Jonathan and Niamh continued their little display. Finally, a reply appeared on her screen:
Tonight’s the night.
