Chapter 17
7
Although Tanya’s presence had been annoying, it didn’t ruin my appetite. I enjoyed a large plate of creamy pasta before heading back to the office.
As soon as I got there, I received a call from Lindey. I hadn’t been home for two days, so it was normal for her to call. “Hey, Lindey.”
“Rea, don’t stay at your friend’s place too long. Come home tonight. I made gnocchi with cumin and ground beef,” Lindey said, making me smile.
already.com
It seemed Jace had already come up with an excuse for my absence.
I had decided to move back to the apartment in Emberholm, so I had to go to the Johnston
place to pack my stuff. I told Lindey, “I’ll be back tonight,” and left it at that.
As the workday was ending, Demi came up to me. “Keira, you doing okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I asked, puzzled.
“Office gossip. Ignore it. I’ve seen how much Mr. Johnston cares about you,” Demi said, hiding her phone behind her back.
“Hand it over,” I said, my tone serious.
Reluctantly, Demi gave me her phone and opened their private gossip group. The stuff they were talking about was similar to what I had heard yesterday Jace’s past.
Turns out they were college classmates, along with Desmond. There were even rumors about a love triangle back in the day.
I hadn’t known any of this. Even if it was just gossip, there might be some truth to it.
After giving Demi her phone back, I drove off. But instead of heading to the Johnston residence, I went to see Steve at his pool hall. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
When I arrived, he was playing billiards and invited me to join. “Want to play a few games?”
I had been here before with Jace. He was the one who taught me how to play pool.
I
I took off my coat, grabbed a cue, and joined Steve.
“Not bad, you’ve learned from the best,” he said, complimenting Jace.
“Did you go to college with Jace?” I asked as I lined up my shot.
“Yeah, why do you ask? Digging for some school–time gossip?” Steve was sharp.
“Did anything happen between him and Tanya back then?” I asked bluntly.
12
Steve stopped and looked at me.
I smiled faintly. “I know you won’t lie to me.”
“There wasn’t,” Steve said as he made a perfect shot. “I guarantee it.”
He looked at me. “Why the sudden interest?”
“Just curious,” I replied and took a shot.
“You’re supposed to get married tomorrow. If you’ve decided to be together, you need to trust
each other,” Steve added. “Congrats in advance on your wedding.”
“We broke up,” I said, making Steve’s hand falter.
After a moment, he nodded. “Better to break up now than divorce later.”
He was straightforward. Remembering his earlier advice, I said, “Thanks, Steve.”
“Yeah?” he responded, puzzled.
I didn’t explain further and left, heading back to the Johnston residence. As soon as I entered, I saw Jace’s car already parked in the driveway.
Walking toward the house, I heard Matthew’s angry voice from inside. ‘Rea is your fiancée! How could you be carrying another woman outside the office
Apparently, the office gossip had reached Jace’s parents. Now I knew why they had called me back.
“Jace Johnston, if you don’t marry Rea tomorrow, don’t bother coming back to this house,” Matthew yelled again.
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