Chapter 169
The lock clicked. Penelope hastily drew the curtains shut, oblivious to the storm gathering on Theodore’s face.
By the time she turned around, Zebulon was already inside.
“Breaking and entering. Do you want me to call the police?” she said, her voice dripping with ice.
Zebulon swayed on his feet, clearly drunk. He seemed not to hear her and continued walking toward the sofa, but she blocked his path.
“Get out. Now. Before I do something we both regret p>
“I’ve had too much to drink,” he mumbled, rubbing his forehead.
“And p>
“You always used to make me that soothing porridge when I drank too much, so my stomach wouldn’t hurt. It hurts right now. Can you p>
“Go home and ask your mother p>
He sighed. “If you didn’t want to divorce me, it must mean you still love me, that you can’t bear to let me go. I love you too. Can we please stop fighting p>
“Zebulon, did you come here in the middle of the night just to make me sick p>
“Penelope, if you want an apology, I’ll apologize. But please, let’s not do this. It’s tearing us apart p>
Zebulon reached for her, but she stepped back, leaving him grasping at air. In one fluid motion, she picked up a fruit knife from the coffee table.
“What do you want from me?” he asked, exasperated.
“I want you to get the hell out of my house p>
“I know Rebecca and I are having a child, but I don’t love her. If it bothers you that much, I… I promise I’ll never see her again. Will that make you happy p>
“Get out p>
“Penelope, you’re breaking my heart. You can’t do this to me.” He clutched his chest, looking at her with
wounded eyes. “You do still carnet
about me, don’t you? I can see it in
I see it e allered and your
your eyes, they’re
lips are swollen… Wait, why are your
lips swollen p>
He reached out to touch her lips, but she grabbed his wrist, twisted it behind his back, and slammed him forward.
“Ow, that hurts p>
Penelope had trained in kickboxing, and one move was all it took to subdue him. She reached into his pocket, pulled out his keys, and removed the one to her house.
“Penelope, you have to tell me the truth! Are you seeing another man p>
Before he could finish, she shoved him out the door.
“We’re supposed to be getting married in a few days, and you’re cheating on me!
How could you do this to me, Penelope p>
Ignoring his furious shouts, she slammed the door shut.
She leaned against it, taking several deep breaths to calm herself before she remembered Theodore. He must have heard all of Zebulon’s nonsense. What was he thinking?
She scurried back to the living room and pulled open the curtains.
Theodore stood there, shirtless, his suit pants still on. He had raked a hand through his hair and was leaning against the glass, a cigarette, dangling from his lips. He hadn’t lit it. swñovels
“Theo… Mr. Stapleton p>
The formal address slipped out, and she immediately wanted to slap herself.
“So polite. Why call me Mr. Stapleton? Just call me ‘the other man,” he said, his voice dangerously low. He shot her a cold glare and stalked upstairs.
Penelope rushed after him, trying to explain, but what was there to say? Theodore had investigated her he knew all about her messy history with Zebulun. And if he already
knew, why was he so angry?
Theodore dressed quickly, found a lighter, and lit his cigarette before heading for
the door. He moved with a cold, contained fury.
“What are you so mad about? I can explain,” she pleaded, trailing behind him.
He didn’t answer.