Chapter 29
Ambrose wasn’t angry, though. His dark gaze lingered on her,
and his lips curved. “So everyone else is on first–name terms, but
me?”
With him, her tongue always got the better of her. Without
thinking, she snapped back, “And what exactly are you to me?”
That was the same line he’d thrown at her seven years ago, the
day he had her dumped back at Rowena’s house.
She remembered every word.
He had looked down at her with mocking disdain. “Did you
really think you were my sister? Clarinda, what exactly are you
to me?”
Clarinda looked away quickly, casting a glance at the drunken
Corbin before turning to Wesley for help.
“Wesley, could you help me get him to the car?”
“Sure, no problem.“”
The room’s tension was suffocating. Wesley helped haul Corbin
up and made for the door.
Chapter 29
Something had gotten into Corbin tonight.
Usually composed, he’d started downing shots after just a few
words with Ambrose.
Wesley eased him into the backseat, then looked at Clarinda.
“You got this? Want me to ride along and drop him home?”
Clarinda shook her head. “No, thanks, Wesley”
>
“No need to thank me.”
He grinned. “Get home safe. And don’t forget my birthday’s
coming up.“”
more t
She didn’t want to Corbin’s circle. “I’ll see…”
“See what? You went to Kennith’s last month. You’re not
coming to mine?”
“Alright, I’ll be there.”
Clarinda gave in.
Among Corbin’s friends, Wesley had always treated her
decently.
He spoke up for her.
Chapter 29
She remembered it.
Pleased with her answer, Wesley reminded her to drive safely
before heading off.
Clarinda was about to shut the back door when Corbin
suddenly grabbed her wrist, mumbling, “Don’t you dare…”
She frowned. “Don’t I dare what?”
Had he found out about the divorce?
But before she could press, he was out cold again.
Clarinda pushed him deeper into the seat, closed the door, then
rounded to the driver’s side. Just as she was about to pull the
door shut, the black Bentley beside her swung open.
The slam echoed, wedging her door tight.
Startled, she looked up to see Ambrose leaning against the
Bentley, one long hand braced on the door, holding it fast. His
voice was laced with scorn. “Planning to endure his affairs
forever?”
Anger flared in her chest. “What, embarrassed I’ve shamed the
Langdon family again?”
He studied her, voice cold, yet almost merciful as he warned,
Chapter 29
“He doesn’t love you.”
“I know.”
Her smile was careless. “But as long as he comes home once in a
while, that’s enough for me.”
Like some pathetic fool in love.
The veins on the back of his hand strained. “You like him that
much?”
“Yes. So much I can’t quit.”
His frosty eyes hardened, a bitter laugh escaping. “Such a
lovesick girl.”
“This is news to you?”
Clarinda tilted her head back, her tone flat. “Mr. Langdon, I
begged you once. I asked you who it was that he loved.”
“You never told me.”
“So what’s the point of your ridicule now?”
Before deciding to marry Corbin, she had asked around.
She wanted to know who Corbin’s true love was.
Chapter 29
No one told her.
Those playboys who usually seemed friendly were all Corbin’s
friends. Naturally, no one would betray him.
Out of options, she called Ambrose.
What did he say?
Clarinda rolled down the window a little. The cold night air
rushed in, clearing her head.
Then she remembered his words.
He said, “What do you think you’re? Why should I tell you?”
She hung up without another word and blocked him for good.
He kept reminding her they were nothing to each other.
Maybe they never were.
Soon, the car was filled with chilly wind, almost as cold as
outside.
“Ruben, close the window”
Corbin woke up from the cold. Without even opening his eyes,
he did what he did best: gave orders.
Chapter 29
Clarinda remained silent. Instead, she pressed the button and
rolled the window all the way down.
She thought, “Cold?
“Good.”
They reached Veridian Villa at 3:30 a.m.
Clarinda stayed in the car, took out her phone, and made a call.
Woken up in the middle of the night by Clarinda, Adrienne was
pissed. “Are you out of your mind? Do you know what time it
is?”
“Come downstairs.”
28
“Why?”
Clarinda glanced in the rearview mirror. “Come get your boy!”
“What?”
A light turned on in a guest room on the second floor.
Clarinda said flatly, “Corbin.”
That worked. In less than two minutes, the porch light turned
on too. Adrienne walked out.
Chapter 29
Clarinda didn’t move. “Hurry up,” she urged.
She wanted to go back to sleep.
Adrienne opened the back door and saw Corbin slumped in the
seat, completely wasted. She frowned. “What were you two
doing together?“.
Clarinda smiled. “If we’d done anything, would I be calling you?”
“What’s your game, Clarinda?”
Adrienne stared at her suspiciously.
Who would send their husband to their rival in love?
Clarinda checked the time. Her patience was gone. “Get him out
now, or I’m taking him home with me.”
Corbin didn’t care enough to know she’d moved, but Adrienne
had nothing better to do than target and keep tabs on her.
She knew everything.
Adrienne couldn’t figure it out.
She thought, “Everyone knows Clarinda is just a gentle little
thing. How could she change so much?
Chapter 29
“Everyone else, including Corbin, still sees her as sweet and
obedient.
“She’s faking it!”
Adrienne tried to haul Corbin out but couldn’t manage his dead
weight. She turned to Clarinda. “A little help?”
“Sure.”
Clarinda got out, grabbed Corbin’s arm, and yanked him straight
out onto the grass.
Heavily drunk, he landed with a thud, found a comfortable
spot, and passed out again.
}
Lateefa Khanam is a spirited writer who finds freedom in horse riding. She cherishes her mare and the newborn foal, calling them her little happy family.
