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The tension between them thickened as Gale absorbed the jab.
He knew Brian was no ordinary opponent. He was calculated, ruthless, and unafraid to exploit personal vulnerabilities.
“You don’t know anything about my wife,” Gale said, his voice low but firm.
“Oh, don‘ t I?” Brian sneered. “It’s all over your face, Gale. You‘ re desperate, just like I was. You think you can control people like Lilian or Rachel, but they slip through your fingers, don‘ t they?”
Gale‘ s jaw tightened, but he refused to let Brian see the cracks forming in his
composure.
“This conversation is over, Mr. Watson,” he said, standing abruptly. “You have no reason to be here, and if you try to force your way back into Lilian’s life, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
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Brian smirked, leaning back in his seat.
“Let’s see how long you can keep playing the knight in shining armor, Gale.
Providence might be your playground, but even kings fall.”
Ignoring the taunt, Gale turned and left the
bar.
As he walked out, he directly went to Lilian’s penthouse after confirming to the guards to never let Brian got near the
apartment.
Gale entered Lilian’s penthouse, calling out softly, “Lily, it’s me.”
The silence in the place was unsettling, his voice echoing slightly through the luxurious space.
He scanned the room, his senses on high alert, until Lilian finally emerged from her bedroom.
The moment she saw him, she ran to him, her face pale and tear–streaked.
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Throwing her arms around him, she sobbed into his chest. “Gale, I was so afraid. I thought Brian would break through the defenses this time.”
Gale wrapped his arms around her protectively, his voice firm as he reassured her. “Don’t worry, Lilian. I’ve tightened. security. Your husband won’t be able to get near you now.”
While Gale was comforting Lilian in Providence, I was on the other side of the world, fully immersing myself in my new
life.
I had started an Italian language course, wanting to familiarize myself with the local culture and communicate more fluently with my future classmates.
My roommate, a lively woman from London, joined me in the course.
After class, we often hung out at a quaint café near the dorm, practicing the language and exchanging stories.
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As we sipped our coffee, I received a notification on my phone, a new email.
The sender’s name made my brows
furrowed in confusion. It was Brian.
Watson.
I knew of him, of course, since he was Lilian’s ex–husband. But why was he reaching out to me?
Curious, I opened the email.
[Brian: Hello, Rachel, I know you must be confused about receiving this message
from me, but as Lilian’s husband, I want to discuss something important.
It’s come to my attention that Lilian is reconnecting with her ex, Gale, who
happens to be your husband, or ex- husband, given your intentions to divorce him.
I’m writing to inform you of my plan to publicize certain details about Gale and Lilian’s relationship, which may inevitably involve you. I seek your
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permission to proceed. I assure you, I‘ m not asking for your help, only your consent.]
I leaned back in my chair, letting out a soft breath. His words stirred mixed feelings, but ultimately, I felt detached from the drama. After a moment‘ s thought, I replied curtly, [It’s up to you. I don‘ t care about Gale anymore.]
His response was immediate, [Thank you.]
I stared at the screen for a moment before closing the email.
My life was no longer entangled with Gale or Lilian, and whatever fallout came from Brian’s actions was not my concern.
Whether Lilian had lied about her divorce or Brian was manipulating the situation did not matter to me anymore.
“Hey, Rachel,” my roommate interrupted my thoughts, a mischievous smile on her face. “What do you think about blind. dates? Italian men seem so charming!”
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I laughed lightly, shaking my head. “It’s an interesting idea, but no thanks. I’m focused on my studies for now.”
She pouted playfully. “Oh, come on! Sometimes romance can be inspiring for artists. Are you sure you don’t want to try?”
“I’ll think about it if you find someone absolutely perfect,” I teased.
She grinned. “Challenge accepted!”
As I sipped my espresso, I let my gaze
wander.
The men in Italy certainly had a certain. charm, but I was not ready for romance. My heart needed time to heal from the scars Gale had left behind.
Meanwhile, back in Providence, the storm that Brian had promised began to brew. Headlines about his arrival spread like
wildfire.
“Lilian‘ s Ex–Husband Returns to
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Providence, Hoping to Reconcile and Withdraw Divorce Agreement!”
The articles painted a picture of Brian as a scorned lover, desperate to win Lilian back.
Stories circulated about how he had spent the night waiting outside her boutique, only to leave empty–handed.
Reports also detailed his grand gestures, including a bouquet of 100 roses that Lilian had rejected.
Public opinion began to shift. Some
questioned the truth behind Lilian‘ s
claims of domestic violence.
“Could it be that Lilian is simply tired of Brian?”
“If I were Lilian, I’d run straight to Brian and kiss him for those roses!”
Others turned their scrutiny toward Gale.
“Where has Mr. Douglas‘ s wife been since Lilian returned?”
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“Is Lilian the third wheel in Mr.
Douglas‘ s marriage?”
“Mr. Douglas, why chase someone else’s wife when you already have one?”
The mounting speculation began to tarnish Gale’s reputation. Even his father, the ever–proud patriarch of the Douglas family, issued a stern warning.
“Straighten this out, Gale. You‘ ve
dragged the family name through the mud long enough.”
The pressure was palpable. Gale felt cornered, his life unraveling before his eyes. The situation with Lilian had not only jeopardized his personal life but also his professional reputation.
The day of the press conference arrived, and the room was packed with reporters, their cameras and recorders ready to capture every word and gesture.
Gale sat in the center of the stage, his expression calm and composed, though his
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mind was a whirlwind of frustration and
uncertainty.
Next to him sat Lilian, poised and elegant as ever, radiating confidence despite the storm of controversy surrounding her.
Gale cleared his throat and leaned into the microphone. “Thank you all for being here today,” he began, his voice firm but measured. “I want to address the rumors that have been circulating recently regarding my personal life and my connection to Lilian Bowen.
“Firstly, I’d like to clarify that my wife. and I are still on good terms. She has been focusing on her studies, which is why she hasn’t been seen in public as often. The rumors suggesting a separation or conflict. between us are baseless.
“As for Lilian, let me be clear. She is not, and never has been, a third person in my marriage. Our relationship is strictly platonic. We are close friends who support each other in times of need, nothing
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more.”
His words were direct and left no room for
questions.
Gale had deliberately chosen to avoid a Q&A session, knowing that opening the floor to the press would invite speculation and probing into areas he was not prepared to discuss.
With his part done, Gale stepped back and gestured for Lilian to take the microphone. She adjusted it with practiced ease, her polished demeanor hiding any nerves she
might have felt.
“Thank you, Gale,” she began, her voice smooth and apologetic. “First, I want to express my regret for the inconvenience and confusion caused by my presence here in Providence. I understand that my return has stirred speculation, and for that, I deeply apologize.”
Gale nodded along, satisfied so far. But then, her tone shifted slightly, and the
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words that followed made him freeze.
“My husband and I,” she continued, “have indeed been in the process of divorce mediation. However, recently, I finally had the chance to meet Brian again
and have an honest conversation about our
issues.”
Gale’s eyes widened in surprise, his composure faltering for the first time, since he had no idea that was coming.
