Chapter 550
Chapter 550
Niamh had considered offering an explanation, but before she could say anything officially, the trending topic was pulled from the news cycle. With the buzz gone, there was no longer any ground to justify herself.
She’d even asked Elmer for his opinion, but he seemed entirely unbothered by being labeled the “other man.”
Still, as someone handpicked by the government for his talents, such a reputation wasn’t exactly flattering. Niamh felt it was her fault for dragging Elmer into the mess.
“I was the one who made that announcement about you being my boyfriend. It was all my idea, and honestly, I’m the one who’s made things difficult for you. The fact that you’re not blaming me-I’m already grateful for that.”
Elmer offered her a gentle smile, always the picture of a refined gentleman.
Across the restaurant, Jonathan was mostly hidden behind a marble column, only part of his figure visible in the shadows.
With the slightest tilt of his head, he could see Niamh and Elmer at their
table.
Niamh faced Elmer, sharing a meal and laughing together, looking perfectly at ease.
Now Jonathan understood-when Niamh had gone into the bedroom earlier, she’d only been changing her clothes.
She’d dressed up on purpose, chosen this brand-new crystal bistro, all for
Elmer.
Jonathan’s own table was empty except for a glass and a bottle of vodka-nothing to eat, just strong liquor.
The alcohol burned a fiery path down his throat, his stomach twisting in protest.
1/2
10.57
Yet, in the span of a few moments, Jonathan downed the entire bottle of
vodka in silence.
Meanwhile, Niamh and Elmer were enjoying a bottle of red wine, something lighter, more appropriate for conversation.
They chatted and sipped their wine, looking every bit the picture of an intimate couple.
“Nia… you and Jonathan aren’t divorced yet, and he’s no longer in love with Marina. So… would you ever consider taking him back?” Elmer asked quietly.
Niamh’s hand paused mid-slice through her lobster.
She lifted her gaze to meet Elmer’s eyes.
His face was as composed and warm as ever, but deep in his eyes, worry flickered, impossible to hide.
Niamh shook her head, her voice firm and resolute. “No. I wouldn’t.”
Some of the concern in Elmer’s eyes faded.
“You really don’t love him anymore?”
“No.”
What if he still loves you?
Elmer didn’t dare ask. The words hovered on his lips, unspoken.
Noticing the way Elmer hesitated, Niamh simply smiled, letting the question go unasked,
Once, maybe love hadn’t been her whole life, but it had always been her dream and her pursuit.
She had spent years longing for the boy who’d stood by her side through the hardest days at the juvenile center.
Even with someone as outstanding as Elmer at her side, her heart had always been filled by the memory of her first love.
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Chapter 550
And though Jonathan hadn’t recognized her as Rina from the center when they reunited, Niamh had still been grateful-grateful that fate had
brought them together again.
She had given Jonathan all the purest, deepest love she had.
And what had that cost her?
She’d lost her child. Lost the ability to have more. Suffered humiliation, nearly died, was hounded into bankruptcy and ruin by the public…
That was what loving Jonathan had led to.
“Not loving Jonathan… my life is so much better now. I just want to learn how to love myself.”
With those words, spoken with quiet conviction, the tension in Elmer’s face finally eased.
“Oh, and this is for you,” Elmer said, handing her a paper bag.
Niamh peeked inside and couldn’t help but laugh.
“What’s the occasion? I’ve actually gotten two Hermès bags today.”
“Two?” Elmer’s eyes crinkled with playful mischief, a sly glint shining through.
“And who gave you the other one? Don’t tell me it was Jonathan.”
