She’d bought that brand once before, back when she and Jonathan had just gotten
married.
But Jonathan hadn’t taken a single sip, and after that, she never bought it again.
Niamh was pushing her cart down the grocery store aisle when she brushed past Jonathan and Marina.
“I can’t even remember the last time you actually cooked for me,” Marina teased, looping her arm through Jonathan’s. “Tonight I’m going to eat to my heart’s
content.”
Niamh stopped in her tracks.
Jonathan could cook?
She turned, watching their two figures disappear down the aisle–drawing closer to each other with every step.
So Jonathan could cook… and she’d never even known.
Her knuckles whitened as she gripped the cart handle.
Niamh never would have imagined that after Marina was exposed for plagiarism, she’d end up rewarded–with a yacht trip, a promotion, a bonus, and Jonathan himself cooking her a homemade dinner.
Niamh had been planning to treat herself tonight, actually–after The Thomas Group had to recall their new product, which at least proved her innocence by implication, she’d thought she’d sauté an extra dish or two as a little celebration.
But now, her appetite and mood were both gone.
Slowly, she put the groceries back on the shelves, one by one, until all she bought in the end were two vegetable rolls for dinner.
Meanwhile, Jonathan had accompanied Marina back to her apartment and was now busy in her kitchen, preparing four dishes and a hearty soup–three mains and two sides, a perfectly balanced meal.
“It’s been ages since I cooked. I think I’m out of practice,” Jonathan said as he set the last plate on the table. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Rina.”
Marina blinked, surprised. Jonathan caught himself.
For all three years of high school, he’d always called her “Rina.” But just before.
Chapter zu
graduation, Marina had suddenly asked him to stop and call her by her full name.
“Sorry, old habits,” he said.
“It’s fine,” Marina replied, forcing a smile through the awkwardness. She affected at playful pout, moving closer and reaching behind Jonathan to untie his apron.
“You believe I was set up by Niamh and FY, and you’re giving me so much to make up for it–I’m honestly more than satisfied,” she murmured, pressing her cheek. against his chest.
Jonathan just replied with a quiet “Mm.”
The copyright office could only confirm that FY had registered the design patent first, but couldn’t say for certain who had actually drawn it. Between Marina and Niamh, Jonathan had no reason to believe the latter.
As the thought crossed his mind, his gaze drifted to the dinner–a table set for two.
Back on Trinity Lane, the lights were on in Niamh’s old house.
She finished her two rolls, just as a voice note from Vivian popped up.
Vivian was the manager of the up–and–coming ZM brand, and a designer herself.
“Your company’s having its annual party next week, right?” Vivian chirped. “Come by after work tomorrow and try on the new dress, Rina!”
Niamh, who actually worked at The Thomas Group, hadn’t even heard about the party yet; apparently, Vivian had her beat to the news.
She picked up her phone and typed back:
Call me that one more time and I’m going to burst into tears.
A moment later, Vivian deleted the voice message.
Niamh couldn’t help but laugh. She kept chatting with Vivian on WhatsApp, then. tapped over to Lana’s profile. Scrolling through her contacts, she noticed. Jonathan’s icon had slipped far down the list. It used to be pinned right at the top.
She hadn’t blocked Jonathan.
And Jonathan hadn’t blocked her.
But she figured his name would never be at the top of her WhatsApp again–and honestly, that felt just right.
After catching up with Vivian and Lana, Niamh was about to call it a night when
21:06
Chapter 70
another WhatsApp popped up.
It was Jonathan’s icon, suddenly back at the top of her screen.
