Chapter 27
Margot quickly lowered her head, her voice trembling as she pleaded her innocence. “Howell, I swear I had nothing to do with it! I have no idea how Joanna ended up here.
“I was just had Jack Blame me for being clumsy. My foot went numb, and I accidentally twisted my ankle at the worst moment….
Howell’s gaze turned icy. “I know what I saw. And I may have been drinking, but I’m sober now,”
A few moments ago, his head had felt hot and heavy, the alcohol clouding his mind. But the second Joanna appeared, the haze had all but disappeared.
He never expected Margot to pull something like this. In his mind, she had always been sweet, innocent, and kind.
But looking at her now, he barely recognized her. He thought. Is this really the same girl I have once known?”
Margot flinched Lat the coldness in his voice. She bit her lip, her eyes welling up before tears started streaming down her checks. “Howell, I didn’t mean for this to happen. Let me go find Joanna and explain everything.”
Howell sighed, rubbing his temples as he sank onto the couch. “Forget it. Just go back to your room. I need some time alone.”
His head was still pounding, his body sluggish. He would wait until he sobered up completely before explaining things to Joanna.
“But I
“Go” His voice came out sharper this time.
Margot’s face paled, and fresh tears rolled down her cheeks,
Seeing her like this. Howell let out a weary sigh. “I just need some space. I’m not blaming you, but don’t ever do something like this again. Joanna is a good person. If anything, I was the one who didn’t deserve her.”
Margot immediately shook her head, her voice soft yet urgent. “No, Howell. Don’t say that. To me, you’re the best–the most outstanding man I’ve
ever known.”
Howell’s tone hardened. “Regardless, don’t involve yourself with Joanna again. And don’t pull a stunt like this ever again”
Margot pouted, her frustration evident. “But you’re getting divorced anyway. What does it even matter?”
Howell’s expression turned unreadable, his voice cool and detached. The divorce is on hold. My grandfather isn’t in good health, and he can’t take the shock. So for now, things will stay as they are.
“And in any case, whether we get divorced or not is between Joanna and me. It has nothing to do with you. She just misunderstood something.” His words were like ice–sharp, deliberate, and laced with indifference.
Margot felt as though she had been doused in cold water. She stood there frozen, her face drained of color.
“Howell you’re drunk. You don’t mean that!” she whispered, her voice trembling
She refused to accept it. She thought. This isn’t real. It can’t be
Howell extuled slowly, rubbing his temple. “I meant every yword” His patience was wearing thin. All I But Margot wasn’t ready to give up. Desperation Hashed in her eyes as she suddenly lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist “I don’t believe you! You’re lying! I love you. Howell–please don’t push m
Il he wanted now was somic
peace
and quiet.
me away,” she sobbed, her entire
body trembling.
She clung to him desperately, her tears soaking his shirt, her shoulders shaking as if she were about to break apart. Howell frowned, then lily pried her hands off him. “Margot, enough. Don’t make me say something you don’t want to hear.” His patience had completely run out. He was tired.
Margot could feel it. She k
knew if she pushed any further, he might say something she would never be able to take back. Hiring her lip, she choked back another so, then turned and ran out of the room, tears streaming down her face.
