Revenge After Divorce by Black Rose

Chapter 228

NICK

I thought I knew what joy and happiness were, but then I heard my son defend me. He stood in front of me, protective and determined, insisting that I shouldn’t be sent away. A warmth spread through my chest, filling me in ways I’d never experienced before, making me feel more alive than I ever had.

So, this is what people meant when they talked about the joy of having kids. I’d been grinning like a fool since that guy left and made me angry.

“Did you find yourself a woman?” Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow. I frowned.

“What are you talking about?”

He took a sip of his beer, not breaking eye contact. “You’ve been smiling like an idiot, like you’re thinking about someone you love, someone who makes you happy. A woman.”

I laughed, shaking my head. Luke chuckled too, but then he added, “As much as you look ridiculous with that smile, I’d be glad if you found a woman.”

I laughed even harder. “Who said only a woman can make a man happy?”

They both stopped and turned to look at me at the same time, like I’d completely lost my mind.

“Nick Jones, are you sure you’re still a man? Would a man say something like that?” Luke said, looking utterly

confused.

He looked so funny saying it. Ethan wore a similar puzzled expression.

“Am I still your best friend?” Ethan asked, his voice slightly dramatic.

I shook my head, still smiling. “You are, and you always will be.”

straight, suddenly more serious. “Then tell me, who is she? Where’s she from? How did you meet? I have to know everything about the woman

warm welcome I got when I arrived.” Then, I turned to Luke, my expression growing serious. “Thank you, Uncle. About Samuel… I don’t know why you did it, but my son

didn’t even know I existed.I wanted your son to know about you, even when we weren’t there for him. I wanted him to understand that you love him, and you’ll be there for him when the time

hearing that hit me harder than I expected. I hadn’t realized just how big–hearted Luke was. It was true what they said: never judge a book by its cover.

you going to cry now? I’m leaving!” Ethan teased, and we all laughed. I hadn’t felt this

can’t help but think of the

into a brief silence, sipping our drinks.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 228

they’ll be alright?” Ethan asked, breaking

drink. “He’s not me.

looked behind us when we arrived, like she was expecting him to be

noticed that, but I did notice how radiant she looked. Even with the cast on her leg, she looked

pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned to look at him.

say something?” I asked.

disapprovingly. “I know you, man. Don’t go there. Don’t even think

lost her, and it was time

fun things can we do around here?” I asked, trying to shift the focus.

and Ethan

came with the baby,

Luke had just

Ethan added. “Besides, that baby makes me uncomfortable. I like babies, but that

I was

Marcus where we are so he can come take care of his daughter himself,” I said, deadpan.

their heads toward me, wide–eyed.

was one of you who did

even more.