Chapter 115
Just thinking about what Chris had said earlier made Dominic’s skin crawl.
He tried to talk sense into Zac. “Since when does Chris talk like that? Let it go. Walk away. Find someone else p>
He dipped a cotton swab into the ointment and reached for Zac’s face.
Zac brushed his hand away. “You think I’m you? You think I can just switch to someone else like it means nothing p>
“Hey,” Dominic snapped. “Just because you’re taking shots at Chris doesn’t mean you get to take shots at me too p>
He pointed at him. “Do you have any idea how ugly today would’ve gotten if I hadn’t stepped in? There’s a line you don’t cross. Your friend’s wife is off–limits p>
Dominic had heard the dirtier version of that saying too, but he wasn’t about to repeat it in front of Zac.
Because the second Zac stopped playing nice, he would go all in.
And if Zac went all in, Chris would go even harder.
Then all the years of friendship between them would be gone in an instant.
Zac lowered his eyes to his hand. A scrape cut across his knuckles. “I’m not giving up on Winter. I waited three years. Now she finally wants out, and Chris still won’t divorce her. If he won’t do it, I’ll make him p>
Dominic sucked in a breath. “You’ve seriously lost it p>
“Forget Chris for a second,” Dominic said. “What about Winter? Does she even know you feel this way? Would she accept you? And do you have any idea what it would cost to force Chris into a divorce? If she doesn’t choose you in the end, was it worth it p>
Zac fell silent for a moment, and Dominic thought maybe it had finally landed.
Then Zac asked, “Do you have a cigarette p>
Dominic blinked. “Since when do you smoke p>
Even so, he pulled out a pack and a lighter.
Zac lit one. “Whether it’s worth it is for me to decide p>
Dominic almost believed he had talked him down.
Then the anger shot straight up his spine. He sprang to his feet and jabbed a finger at Zac. “Aren’t you a neurosurgeon? Tomorrow, open your own head up and see what’s wrong with you p>
Zac kept smoking. His eyes narrowed, and his expression stayed cold and unreadable.
172
+25 Bonus
Back at Blackwood Manor, Mrs. Young walked into the living room. “Mr. Xander, dinner is ready p>
Then she glanced at Skyla.
Skyla’s lips were even paler than before. She really did look unwell, like the anemia was acting up. A flicker of shame hit Mrs. Young. Maybe her earlier irritation had been unfair.
Skyla looked up at Chris with quiet hope. “Chris, will you eat with me? I don’t want to have dinner alone p>
Chris gave a low “Mm” and stood, taking his cane as he headed for the dining room.
Skyla’s wheelchair followed behind him. The corners of her mouth lifted, a hint of excitement showing in her eyes.
Chris didn’t pick up his utensils. He just sat at the table and flipped through a newspaper. Skyla had always known he had that old–fashioned habit. He said it was easier on the eyes than staring at a screen.
Skyla sipped her soup and asked lightly, as if it was casual, “Is Winter really not coming back to stay p>
Chris didn’t look up. His voice was flat. “Why bring her up p>
Skyla paused, then said nothing. She kept drinking her soup.
The dining room stayed quiet.
After dinner, Skyla glanced out through the floor–to–ceiling window. The rain was falling harder now, and the garden lights looked hazy behind it. She let out a soft sigh. “The rain is getting much worse p>
Only then did Chris look up. “Yeah. You should head back soon p>
Skyla’s fingers tightened. She wondered if he really didn’t get what she meant, or if he was pretending
not to.
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Florence
A passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.