Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The maid had just brewed a fresh pot of Earl Grey, Jennifer’s absolute favorite, especially when the first flush of spring infused the air with its delicate aroma. She took a sip and went to the point without skipping a beat, “Have you talked to Curtis about what we discussed last time?”

Leanne hesitated for a moment. “Not yet.”

She had tried reaching out when he was still in Manhattan. Over the phone, she had suggested they should talk in person, but he was busy, hardly patient enough to listen, simply brushing her off with, “Let’s talk when I get back.”

After several failed attempts to call him again, Leanne had given up.

“You never take anything to heart,” Jennifer frowned deeply. “I told you to talk to him, and it’s been ages since then. I have no idea if you’ve even brought it up. Now that Curtis is back, you guys should really find some time, clear things up. The faster you face it, the quicker you can put it all behind you. Living like this is just a pain for others.

Jennifer had been troubled by Curtis and Leanne’s marriage for years, wishing she had never given in to their union.

“Divorce would be a relief for both of you. I’m only thinking of what’s best for you.”

Leanne cast her gaze down to her tea cup.

It would indeed be a relief if she didn’t love Curtis.

“I’ll discuss it with him,” she murmured.

“Mr. Maddox and Mr. Curtis have returned,” announced the maid.

Leanne turned around.

Curtis had returned with Maddox Richardson, his father.

He always had a casual air about him. His suit jacket slung over his arm carelessly as he conversed with Maddox, a loose smile on his lips. Yet that smile faded subtly when his eyes landed on Leanne.

Perhaps overjoyed at seeing her son after a long time, Jennifer stood up with a wide grin, “What’s with the sudden return, without even a word to me?”

Curtis replied, “Don’t you like surprises?”

“I don’t want surprises. Not being driven mad by you is good enough for me,” Jennifer pretended to be mad, though inside, she was more than happy to see Curtis. “You’ve lost weight again. Haven’t you been eating well over there?”

Standing lazily, Curtis allowed his mother to fuss over him, his smile easy and disarming.

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11:13

Chapte

“There you go again. Why don’t you keep me in the house and let me eat like a horse?”

Jennifer swatted him playfully. “You never take anything seriously, do you?”

Since he was little, Curtis had been quick-witted, charming when he wanted to be, and persuasive in any argument.

He had matured over the years, but at heart, he was still the same naughty boy, and Leanne had never been able to out-talk him..

At dinner, Leanne sat beside Curtis.

Maddox, a man of stature and authority, always made her feel a little intimidated.

At the table, Maddox asked after her politely, inquiring about her job, to which Leanne responded with the respect of a student being questioned by the principal.

Once Maddox turned his attention to Curtis, she quietly exhaled in relief.

They began to discuss business, with Curtis’ successes evident for all to see. Maddox occasionally nodded, his words laced with pride for his son.

Leanne was too preoccupied to eat, fearing that putting down her utensils would prompt Maddox to engage her in conversation again. So, she pretended to eat, having the food slowly.

Perhaps she

he was too focused, and Maddox noticed, “Don’t you like the food?”

As Leanne was about to assure him otherwise, Curtis glanced her way lazily. “She’s on a cat food diet.”

Maddox raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Before Leanne could clarify, Curtis leaned back in his chair, ever the provocateur, and drawled, “She’s even popping out kittens now.”

Leanne could only wish to vanish in thin air right there and then..

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