Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 152

"You're really overthinking this, Evelyn. If you're that terrified, you can temporarily move somewhere else."

She stared at him in disbelief. She fully expected him to offer to stay the night, or invite her to move into his place. Instead, he was suggesting she go somewhere else, casually pushing her away.

Hiding her genuine shock, she quickly rested her cheek back against his chest, her voice sickeningly sweet.

"I'm sorry, Julian. I was just so scared and panicked that I wasn't making sense. Please don't be mad."

"I'm not."

Her expression darkened when he couldn't see. She absolutely could not allow Julian to fall in love with Hazel.

...

When Hazel returned to the house, the living room lights were still on.

She kicked off her shoes and walked in, finding Beatrice Hayes sitting perfectly upright on the sofa, watching television.

Hazel paused in surprise. "Grandma Hayes, why are you still up?"

The older woman looked up and smiled, patting the empty seat beside her to gesture for Hazel to join her.

"I was waiting for you, Hazel. Have you and Julian been fighting lately? I can tell. I've been around long enough to know."

Hazel pressed her lips together and sat down next to her, keeping quiet.

Seeing her silence, Beatrice reached out and covered her hand. Her palm felt warm and dry, and her voice carried a grandmotherly affection.

"What man isn't like this? Look at all the wealthy families today—which man doesn't have a few on the side? But Julian is responsible. He's not the type to just mess around recklessly. You can rest assured on that."

The older woman still wore a kindly smile, but her eyes lacked any real warmth.

"His heart isn't with me, Grandma Hayes." Hazel's voice was laced with exhaustion as she spoke. Without waiting to see Beatrice's reaction, she stood up and headed for the stairs.

From behind her, the gentle voice followed. "It doesn't matter where his heart is, as long as he is physically here. Hazel, you're a smart girl. You should understand how this works."

Hazel paused. Beatrice was right—in their circles, a man's heart didn't matter. But Hazel wanted someone completely devoted to her. A cheater was a cheater; once trust was broken, there was no going back.

She didn't want to argue with her. The woman was old and could pass away at any time.

She just gave a faint smile. "I understand, Grandma Hayes."

It seemed she wouldn't be able to stay in this house much longer either.