As dusk settled over the woods, the crackling bonfire in front of the tents cast a shimmering reflection on the silent river, its light dancing on the water’s surface.
“Cheers!” The group clinked their beer bottles together, enjoying the food and drinks with a sense of relaxation none of them had felt in a long time.
Elliot turned and leaned toward the grill, only to have Loretta tap the back of his hand with her brush handle. “Not ready yet.”
“I’m just smelling it,” he said with a playful grin, backing away to sit next to Julian.
Lilith suddenly asked, “Are you two a thing now?”
Loretta froze. With everyone’s eyes on her, she grew flustered, unsure how to respond. But Elliot calmly replied, “We’re not. Don’t spread rumors, it’s not appropriate to say that in front of the Rayburns!”
Charlotte glanced at Wesley.
Wesley took a slow sip of his beer. “The Rayburn family doesn’t speak for Loretta.”
Loretta was stunned.
Back in the Rayburn household, she never had a say in her own life.
But someone else had once said something similar to her.
That person was Shane.
At the thought of Shane, a flicker of sadness crossed Loretta’s face, and she lowered her head to continue brushing sauce on the skewers.
Elliot, sensing the shift in her mood, instinctively put an arm around her shoulder. “So, if Mr. Rayburn says that, does it mean he approves of us?”
“Huh?” Loretta’s thoughts were instantly derailed.
She looked at him, completely puzzled.
He gave her a quick wink, signaling his playful mischief.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle