I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 361

Just as I was about to respond, Mrs. Spencer spoke again, her voice low. “All men have a possessive streak, and the more successful they are, the stronger their need for control. You've just divorced him, and he's already seen you with Horace. I'm worried he won't be able to resist retaliating. You and Horace need to be extra careful.”

“Horace has been through enough. I just want him to live a long, healthy, and peaceful life without any more drama. I'm over fifty... I'm getting old. I can't take any more heartache...”

Her words made my heart sink, and my grip on the container of takeout food tightened. I didn't say another word.

Mrs. Spencer might not have been a high-society socialite, but she'd seen a lot of the world. Being so much older than me, she understood men far better than I did.

Her words sounded like a thoughtful reminder, but they were also a clear warning: I could be with Horace, but I couldn't drag him down with me.

When Mrs. Spencer and I returned to the room, it was bustling with activity.

Hugh and Horace were engrossed in a game of chess, with Rachel watching enthusiastically. Only Steven sat apart on the sofa, legs crossed, exuding an icy aura that even the sunlight streaming in couldn't melt.

Suddenly, Rachel burst into applause, showering Hugh with praise.

“Hugh, you're amazing! You beat Horace by a hair's breadth again! I told you he was no match for you. Look how many times he's lost.”

Hugh looked disgruntled. “He wasn't even trying. His mind was somewhere else entirely. I don't care. You've lost six times, so you owe me six fancy dinners.”

Horace, though pale, was in high spirits. “Unlucky at cards, lucky in love. You can have as many dinners as you want. I'm in a good mood today.”

Hugh clicked his tongue while Rachel lowered her gaze and began putting the chess pieces away.

Steven listened without expression, his features cold.

Mrs. Spencer walked over with the food, smiling. “Having fun? I bought some snacks. If you're hungry, you can have some to tide you over. I just need to get the main dishes from the kitchen, and then we can eat.”

I placed the food I was holding on the table, and all eyes immediately shifted to me.

Steven lifted his gaze, turning his head to look at us.

Rachel, ever the cheerful one, broke the silence. “Great, thank you.”

“No more games,” Horace said, pushing the chess pieces aside. His eyes were fixed on me. “Zephyra, come over. I want to introduce you to a friend.”

I walked over, but before I could speak, Hugh chimed in with a grin. “We've already met downstairs.”

The atmosphere instantly turned frigid. Everyone's expression shifted.

A shadow fell over Horace's gentle face.

But Hugh, completely oblivious, took a slow sip of water, his handsome, sharp features unable to hide his gossipy curiosity.

“You see, a beautiful love story is like the one they have—sweet and loving. Even if they argue, they always make up. When something serious happens, they worry sick about each other. Not like your wife, who's always beating you up.”

“I've seen you with bandages on your head several times. It's not that shameful to get beaten up by your wife, but it proves one thing: you love her, but she doesn't love you back. If it's really not working, you should just dump her.”

“Look at Ms. Jones. Horace gets hurt, and she's right here taking care of him, constantly worried and thinking about him. That's the kind of woman you should marry.”

The air in the room dropped to freezing. Rachel couldn't help but tug on Hugh's arm, trying to get him to stop.

But Hugh, blinking his beautiful, innocent blue eyes, didn't take the hint and instead doubled down.

“Oh, right, you've reminded me! Mr. Lancaster, you should come with me to Horace and Ms. Jones' wedding. It'll show you what a truly happy marriage looks like—”