Chapter 30
Jayson pulled his gaze away, set his cutleries down, and stood up. “I’ve got something to take care of. You guys enjoy.”
He didn’t spare Ariel a glance as he strode upstairs.
That look he’d given her just now was hard to read, but it left her uneasy. When was he planning to tell Betty about the divorce?
Renee pouted. “Jay’s lost his appetite? Then I’m done too.”
She left to play video games.
Ariel remained calm and continued eating. What others thought of her was their problem, not hers. There was no point in wasting energy on it.
After dinner, Betty took Ariel’s hand and sighed. “Ari, you know how Jayson is. I know you’re having a hard time, but don’t worry. I’m on your side. I won’t let him upset you!”
Seeing the concern in her eyes made Ariel’s chest tighten. Betty had always been good to her and always hoped she and Jayson would make things work. She had done everything she could to help bridge the gap between them. But there was nothing left to salvage.
His heart and body belonged to another woman.
She wasn’t going to force herself to swallow this miserable marriage any longer.
Not to mention, her health was a ticking time bomb. She refused to become anyone’s burden.
“Grandma, I actually came back today because I need to talk to you.” Ariel took a deep breath. “Let me go get Jayson first.”
She hurried upstairs, unable to face the warmth in Betty’s eyes any longer.
Ariel stopped at the door of the bedroom she once shared with Jayson and knocked politely.
She needed to talk to him about coming clean about the divorce, but there was no response.
She knocked again–still nothing.
After a brief hesitation, she pushed the door open. “Jayson?”
She barely took two steps before freezing in place.
By the floor–to–ceiling window, Jayson stood with his back to her, phone in hand. On the screen, Nancy’s face was lit with a soft smile. They were on a video call, like a couple deep in the honeymoon phase.
Jayson turned at the sound of her voice. The easy warmth on his face disappeared the instant he saw her.
He didn’t bother hiding the fact that he was on a video call with Nancy.
Ariel’s feet felt rooted to the floor. Meeting his cold gaze, she suddenly felt something tighten in her chest. “Ever heard of knocking?” Jayson’s tone was flat.
Even though they were getting divorced, Ariel couldn’t say she was completely unaffected by the man who had been her husband for three years.
She met his gaze without flinching and asked calmly, “What, do you think I’m spying on you again?”
Once at Quillan’s Peak, and now, here. Did he really think she was playing the same game?
Jayson frowned.
Just then, the door swung open, and Renee grabbed Ariel’s wrist. “What are you doing in Jay’s room? Come with
me.”
She dragged Ariel into the guest room without giving her a chance to resist. Spreading her arms to block the doorway, she said, “I’ve got a few tough problems I need Jay to help me with. We’ll be busy tonight, so just get some rest on your own.”
Then she slammed the door and bolted.
Ariel stood there in the dim room for a long moment before finally flexing her stiff fingers.
Renee was young. Her intentions were written all over her face.
She didn’t need help with anything. Renee was just keeping her away, afraid that she might end up alone with him. Ariel stayed quiet in the room. No matter what, she and Jayson had to tell Betty about their divorce. But first, she needed to know how he planned to handle it.
At 10:00 pm,
it was time for her medication. She left the room and went downstairs for some water.
As she reached the stairwell, she heard Renee’s playful voice from the kitchen. “Don’t worry, Nancy. I won’t let Ariel get anywhere near Jay. I swear I’ll protect your love with my life!”
Ariel’s steps faltered.
Through the speaker, Nancy let out a soft laugh. She sounded calm and confident.
Then she said, “Jayson wouldn’t do anything. I’ve never worried about that.”
Ariel lowered her eyes and quietly let them exchange their updates.
Renee grabbed a drink and went back upstairs.
After she left, Ariel poured herself a glass of water, took her medicine, and headed straight for Jayson’s room. This time, she knocked firmly on his door.
