The Unwanted Wife's Return (Ex-Husband Wants Me Back) novel Chapter 362

MARY’S POV: 

Marl. 

He was standing near the entrance, his hands in his pockets, his eyes scanning the room. He was wearing casual clothes today, dark jeans, a leather jacket, the same jacket he had worn the first time I saw him. He looked out of place among the other parents, too sharp, too watchful, too… present. 

My stomach dropped. 

What was he doing here? 

I watched him for a moment, my mind racing. Was he here on Alistair’s behalf? Had Alistair sent him to monitor me, to report back on what I was doing, to make sure I wasn’t getting too comfortable? 

The thought made my blood run cold. 

I had been grateful for everything Marl had done for me. Pulling me out of that cell. Driving me home. Listening to me cry. But he was still Alistair’s closest friend. That was a fact I couldn’t ignore, no matter how much I wanted to. 

He spotted me before I could turn away. 

His eyes found mine across the crowded gymnasium, and for a moment, neither of us moved. Then he started walking toward us, weaving through the clusters of parents and children with an ease that felt practiced. 

“Mary,” he said when he reached us. “Elowen.” 

I kept my voice flat, controlled. “What are you doing here?” 

“Alistair asked me to come.” His expression was neutral, unreadable. “He said he was too busy with work and asked me to take his place.” 

I felt something inside me harden. 

He was too busy. Too busy to show up for his daughter’s school event. Too busy to keep his promises. Too busy to be a father. 

And instead of coming himself, he had sent his friend. His closest friend. The man I had been foolish enough to trust. 

“Of course he did,” I said. The words came out sharper than I intended. 

Marl didn’t react. “I can leave if you want.” 

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