The Broken-hearted She And The Icy He

A Quiet Line Crossed

A Quiet Line Crossed

After a moment’s pause, James added blandly, “When you’re with that old classmate of yours, make sure you don’t let yourself get taken advantage of”

The second she heard him mention that so–called old classmate–who didn’t even exist–Lily’s heart skipped a beat.

She figured he probably just wanted her and that imaginary guy to get together as soon as possible. That way. Henry might finally approve the divorce, and James would be free.

He’d already done so much for her tonight. She definitely owed him a bit of reassurance. Without missing a beat, she said, “Don’t worry, we’re doing great. We’re really in love. He’s such a good person–kind and caring. I feel really happy when I’m with him. Honestly… we might even get married after we finalize the divorce. And when that happens, you’re invited.”

She turned toward the front seat and tacked on, out of politeness, “You too, Ashton. You’ll both have to come to the wedding.”

“Mm.”

James knew Lily had been getting along well with her supposed old classmate, but he hadn’t expected things to have progressed to the point of marriage.

He’d been wishing she’d settle down quickly with someone else.

But for some reason, hearing her say it aloud didn’t bring the relief he’d expected.

Instead, a strange discomfort stirred inside him. And, just like that, he didn’t feel like talking anymore.

He didn’t look at her again, simply turned his face toward the window and stared silently at the traffic streaming by.

Ashton, meanwhile, was about ready to drop dead from the shock.

He and the boss were supposed to go to Madam’s wedding?

attending the crowning ceremony of

boss seemed kind

told him–about how the

on things and never let the boss get

out and live a peaceful

wanted to toast at Madam’s

that, the boss had asked Ashton to prep all the gear for a camping trip tomorrow–complete- with barbecuing–with that other

1/3

ready per the boss’s Instructions. But he couldn’t exactly follow around twenty–four seven. What if the boss

the steering wheel with a grim expression, soul thoroughly crushed.

had mostly recovered. She didn’t

dim, so she hadn’t noticed his appearance. But once they were back inside the room, she saw

white shirt–always spotless–was now a total

terrible. Her voice barely more than a whisper, she said. “James, I’m so sorry… I got

to offer to pay him

change would mean nothing to him. In the end, she didn’t bring it up and instead added. “I’ll be more careful in

“Mm.”

glanced down at

and tears had soaked into the fabric. It really was

it didn’t bother

mild cleanliness obsession since he was a child. He didn’t

in his

his shirt, but even that hadn’t made him

was the memory of her tears falling, one after another, and how each

he lifted his eyes again, he saw the red marks

pupils constricted slightly. Then, cool and detached, he said, “Go shower and

a change of clothes and