Chapter 19
“Inever sat wouldn’tarm Why the long face
Tom spoke cut, atait smirking at hips as his gaze flicked toward the wine glass before me.
Isis speechless
“In this were a water tank, you’d probably jump richtin
Thadst expected him in tease me sa poddenly. Thtered, looked up and hit my instinctively know coming to you out of the blee for help was thoughtless on myparty don’t help, totally understand—”
He leaned back in his char and internpiad me. Tlihelp you, but sthe spirit of friendlyemperation, shouldn’t you also do me a favor?
thewas wing in helpi, Lamuklu’Thile my excitement –it www.practically written all over my face. “Of course!”
Yazımi so quickly without even krewing what an Aren’t you afraid I’ll sell ymmett?” His unile derpront, andhis tone was anmiet.
Ichuckled. Howe could saada that? Tenist your character, Tom!
Hestared at me, his expression carving attace of inhi
Íhdn’t think Tem would achlymist whether elder the me
II Haded him, wouldn’t that be deg?
Tring the station, cautiously asked, “Could you gher me a hind? Pd like t
‘m even repable at helping”
Tom picks up his wine plows, lighthe tapping the rim with his inget as he replied, “Belax. You can manage it—just come with me to remont meer somene
“My grandmother ”
tbünket, Tinally understanding he meant Rose
Why would you need me to meet Mrs. White Serie?
He didn’t answer directly. Instead, he raised an eyebrow, this is curling into a smirk. “So will you agree?”
1 debut realized this arrangement was more advantageous for me.
After all, Tom would contion Gavin and force him to divorce me–a monumental effort on his part. Meanwhile, all had to do was accompany him to root Rose
No matter how looked at it, I got the better deal
“Alright. Tagree.”
His smile broadened as brilined his glass toward ar. “It’s settled then!
A crisp clink sounded as our glasses met.
And part like that, the pact was sedded
After finishing the meal, I stood to settle the bill only to be sold by the water that Tom had already taken care of it
“Didn’t we agree that this meal was on me?
Heilung his coat mer his arm, smiling faintly. “It’s on you next time. ”
As we lett the private room, I trailed behind him, preparing to ask how he planned to help me with the divorce, but before I could speak, he suddenly stopped.
Gught off guard, I nearly lumped antham-
Then I heard a low, amused chuckle above ne “Well, isn’t this a smalls
I from and followed his poor, only to ser noiir other than tuv sand kitandy approaching
fin casudy fucked our hand – pocket whille Mandy chung ta his. „shutting in her high heel like a womm deeply in love,
A barter smile tugged at my lips as Trecalled his righteous claims earlier that afternon – how he had no romantic ties to Mandy and their relationship was pure notisese.
He owned slightly, responding with it “Man,” as though indulging her relictantly.
razzi catch winder anything
“The main hall’s non pony,” bed “Let’s go to pricate room. You kom home blesome it gets it the jugarazzi rito
Tuum always keep une reserved here? To cost call him. You’ve finds het mind,” Mandy saldically, exuding an air of carefree confidence
« you here to make wrything so implk.
done call (17) not like it’s aligded Aren’t you grown man? Why are you being so day?”
davin trusted sighty, just about to prsjood, when de coinen at hirve casght a tande rigure
“Tom!” becalled out, stekding qurkiyium duction.
Sering the twood them noticem, Tinatine tively skank Gehind Tom
The moment I made that moer, Lorgirondit
Why should i be the ene hiding? onto and Mandy were the guilty ones, not mel
Thad abeað aveided him, and now, if I were to come out again, it would seem inappropriate.
kh, Tom’s tall, broadtiger nearly–presided ample cover His big black coat absorbed the dim lighting in the hallway, shielding me entirely.
Youre hoc Gren asked, smiling at Tem: “What a coincidence Why don’t we shame a meal?”
is thanks, I’ve already eaten.” Tem replied Luzik. He gestured toward Mandy with his chin. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on your date.”
kava sind, frowning “I’m pathaving a meal with her. Nothing more.”
by quickly said. “Mr. White, it’s not what you think in and are just good friends. Can’t a man and a woman have a pure friendship?
Hearing her say that made the want to verit
Dawn was right–this woman reeked or manipulative drama.
“Good ends Tom chuckled, though his tone turned icy. “Would you care to explain what kind of “good friend” pulls a suicide stunt at her friend’s wedding?”
Mandy froze, strong to maintain her composure. “Thave depression. It’s not something I can control.”
Her gaze shifted to a sliver of fabric peeking out from behind Tom. Her words trailed off “Mr. White, behind you”
My heart tightened instinctively, and as I wondered what reason I should give to explain things, Gavin, clearly reminded by Mandy, also noticed. His tone immediately became subtle “Tem, you’re really something.
Something like what? Tom remained motionless. “You can g go now.”
“Wait” Gavin seemed to have discovered something new and was unwilling to give up. He tilted his head and tried to look behind him. “When did this happen? Your father and grandmother were desperate, but you’re keeping a women hidden_”
1 couldn’t help but take a deep breath, knowing I couldn’t hide anymore.
But as long as I held my ground, I had nothing to be guilty about
Just as I was about to step out, Tom suddenly timed around and blocked me, pulling me entirely against his broad back. His deep and powerful voice came from behind. “You tw get lost What are you staring at?
“What’s the big deal about hiding this? Gavin laughed, teasing, “Could it be that she’s a married woman?”
Tom raised an eyebrow, his tone pointed. “Yes, she’s still married. Once she’s divorced, I’ll introduce her to you!
“No way You’re making it so mysterious,” Gavin muttered. “Is she really someone else’s wife?”
Tom didn’t want to say anything more. He frowned in irritation and waved them off.
His face, cold and stern, combined with his two years in the military, exuded a natural air of intimidation, especially when he frowned. It carried the weight of someone in a higher position.
“Wait. Are you serious? Can’s lace was filled with disbelief, clearly just realizing Tom wasn’t joking
Tom casually nodded. “Mm”
At this point, Gavin seemed to believe him completely and immediately smiled. “Alright. I’ll let you off this time. When she’s divorced, introduce her to me. I really want to see which married woman has such charm that she manages to steal your heart!”
