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.”

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

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 always knew who I was because of you. I’m grateful for that.”

waved me off, as if it was nothing. “I did it because I know what it feels like to be apart from your child. I couldn’t be with Olivia, and she 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

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 light–hearted in

can’t help but think of the hell Marcus

a brief silence, sipping our drinks.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 228

you think they’ll be alright?” Ethan asked,

“He’s not me. She might give him a

she looked

did notice how radiant she looked. Even with the cast on her leg, she looked stunning in that dress. It reminded me of the first time we

out of my thoughts. I turned to look

something?” I asked.

know you, man. Don’t go

I’d lost her, and it was time to stop thinking

around here?”

Luke and Ethan looked

with the baby, you’ll be helping the women

had just said

I like babies, but that one doesn’t even look like a

they weren’t comfortable with it, I was supposed to pick

tell Marcus where we are so he can come take care of his daughter

heads toward

one of you who did it,” I added, my grin growing

even