He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 85

Still basking in the relief of successfully registering her daughter, Scarlett remained completely oblivious to Yardley's ominous presence nearby.

She and Gordon exchanged easy banter, the atmosphere between them light and cheerful.

"So, Scarlett, now that Dawn is officially registered under your name, what's your next move? Are you absolutely set on divorcing Yardley?"

"Yes. There's no going back."

"Yardley's a decent guy in most respects, but the way he treats you... ugh, let's not talk about him. Anyway, I'm fully on your side this time."

"Thank you, Gordon. If it weren't for you, getting Dawn's paperwork sorted out would have been a nightmare. I'll toast you with tea instead of wine."

The clinking of their glasses chimed in the air, followed by Gordon's teasing, playful voice. "Well, once the divorce is finalized, how about giving me a shot? I've actually had a crush on you since high school, but you never believed I was serious."

Scarlett burst into a fit of laughter. "Stop! Stop right there, Gordon Wyatt. Do not even start with me. I couldn't even count the number of girls you've been 'serious' about over the years on both hands. I'm warning you, don't try to charm my fragile, newly single heart!"

Gordon chuckled along with her, but after a moment, his laughter faded into a rare expression of sincerity. "Scarlett, I know I've got a reputation as a player. But honestly, I really do want to be there for you, to protect you. You have no idea... the day you were hemorrhaging in the delivery room, I was standing outside, shaking like a leaf. I—"

Before Gordon could finish his heartfelt confession, Yardley's self-control snapped entirely.

He shot up from his seat and crossed the distance to Gordon in a blur of motion.

Before Gordon even realized what was happening, Yardley's fist connected brutally with the corner of his eye.

The sudden, vicious blow caught Gordon completely off guard.

When his vision finally cleared, he saw Yardley towering over him like an enraged beast, his eyes practically radiating a murderous chill.

"I knew it," Yardley snarled, pointing an accusing finger. "You're trying to steal my wife!"

Without missing a beat, Yardley pulled his arm back to deliver another punch, but Scarlett desperately lunged forward, grabbing his wrist.

"Stop it, Yardley!"

"Can't you tell we were just joking around? Are you out of your mind? You—"

Before Scarlett could finish her sentence, Yardley spun around and snatched her into his arms.

His face was a mask of furious silence. Suddenly, he bent down, threw Scarlett over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and marched straight out of the restaurant without a moment's hesitation.

"Hey! Yardley Flynn! What the hell are you doing?!" Gordon shouted, clutching his rapidly swelling right eye. "Put her down! Can't you ever treat her with some respect instead of constantly forcing yourself on her?!"

Gordon scrambled to his feet and gave chase.

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