Chapter 16
Ronald acted like he didn’t hear a thing, downing one drink after another.
His handsome face was obscured by the shifting light and shadows, making it hard to read his expression.
Mason lounged on the couch, watching Ronald’s actions with a mocking smile.
He spoke with a mix of disdain and seriousness, “What does Elsie’s post about being reborn mean? Did you two really get divorced?”
“Mason, what are you talking about? Everyone knows Elsie is crazy about Ronald. Divorce? No way!” Their mutual friend, Justin Brown, quickly tried to diffuse the tension, raising his bottle to refill their glasses.
“Yeah, right. Even if I got divorced, Ronald would never. Isn’t that right?” Brian Johnson, known for being a devoted husband, chimed in while texting his wife about his whereabouts.
Ronald paused at their words, his tone cold as if discussing someone else’s life. “We are getting divorced.”
Before anyone could react, he downed his drink in one gulp. The clear liquid trickled from the corner of his mouth, down his throat, and into his shirt.
He added with a bitter laugh, “Elsie is off to find her own happiness.
“Impossible!” the group exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what to say.
They had once bet on how long Ronald and Elsie would last, never expecting it to actually end in divorce.
Brian nudged Justin, who glared back at him.
Brian slapped the table with a grin, “This is great news! We brought Ronald out for drinks at the perfect time, to celebrate his return to single life.”
Justin followed suit, “Indeed, that mute Elsie was never worthy of Ronald!”
A wave of indescribable bitterness washed over Ronald. He often called Elsie “the mute” in jest, but hearing it from others now felt like nails on a chalkboard.
He grabbed the bottle and poured more into his mouth, but only managed to drink a third, the rest soaking his shirt.
His white shirt was drenched, and he wasted a good amount of the expensive liquor.
Justin, secretly pleased, still played along, “Are you so happy that you lost control? Such splendid wine, and you spilled it all over your clothes.”
Brian elbowed Justin and patted Ronald’s shoulder, “Now that you’re single, you can finally be with Missy.”
Brian and Justin exchanged knowing looks, “You’ve been pining for Missy for so long. Now nothing’s stopping you two. Isn’t that great?
They continued with a sarcastic tone, “I heard Missy is pregnant. You moved with such haste; she barely returned, and now you’re already expecting a child.”
“Congratulations. That’s some efficiency.”
Ronald’s face turned ice–cold, like a demon emerging from hell. He smashed the bottle on the table.
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The marble table, fragile even with a gentle touch, shattered under the force, Glass shards cut into Ronald’s hand, blood dripping instantly.
*Shut up!”
“You have no right to talk about Elsie!”
The room fell silent, everyone stunned by Ronald’s outburst. They had previously spoken ill of Elsie in his presence and made jests about his relationship with Missy, yet never had he responded with such fury..
He used to be the one who despised Elsie the most, the one eager to marry Missy.
What was this about?
Was Ronald defending Elsie?
But weren’t they getting divorced?
“Come on; we were just joking. Why so serious?”
“Yeah, we were just wishing you and Missy the best. Your love child is on the way.”
Ronald wanted to retort, but the words stuck in his throat.
He had promised Missy to help with the baby. If he denied it now, how would he explain the child’s origin?
Should he say Elsie had someone rape Missy, and the baby was the result of that?
What would happen to Elsie then?
She was already a laughingstock for their divorce. If this got out, how could she face anyone?
Ronald stood up abruptly, leaving without a word, his face a mask of cold fury.
The group was even more confused.
Wasn’t the divorce supposed to be a good thing?
Why did Ronald look like he was heartbroken?
Justin turned to Mason, “How did you know about Elsie’s Facebook post? Are you friends with her on Facebook?”
“Yeah,” Mason nodded coolly, “We added each other by chance.”
Justin asked, “Do you know why Ronald is acting like this?”
Mason’s smile grew more mocking as he downed his drink. “Can’t you see?”
Brian leaned in, curious, “See what?”
Mason’s smile turned cold; his eyes filled with indifference and scorn Ronald actually loves Elsie.”
“He loves Elsie?” Justin exclaimed, then covered his mouth, staring at Mason in disbelief.
“Are you crazy? How could Ronald possibly be fond of Elsie?”
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Chapter 16
“If he loved her, why would hid keep his first frese around? Why let h
Mason slammed his glass onto the table with a resounding clink. Igaze fixed on the markte surface, but is tear–filled yet defiant eyes, flashed through his mind.
He spoke slowly and firmly, “Ronald takes care of Missy because she saved his life is a child. He down be
Justin smacked his lips, Ronald has a strange way of showing love,
He clearly didn’t believe it.
Everyone knew Ronald treated Elsie like dirt.
He never defended her in public, letting anyone call her the mute.
Wasn’t that Ronald’s tacit approval?
Who showed love like that?
Mason fell silent. He had been friends with Ronald for over a decade, but even he couldn’t understand Ronald’s actions.
If Ronald was in love, shouldn’t he protect the woman he loved and make her happy?
Elsie’s profound affection and unwavering devotion to Ronald were beyond question.
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