The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 52

"And another thing!" Richard glared at Jamie, his indignation growing. "To hide your own marital status, have you worn your wedding ring even once?"

"Every time I visit the manor, Suzie is right there by your side, asking if you want tea or coffee. For dinner, she doesn’t just ask about the cuisine but even the seasoning, all to suit your preferences."

"But let me ask you this. Have you ever asked her what she likes? Do you know what she likes to eat? What she likes to wear? One time she saw a raspberry tart when we were out together and just stood there looking at it. She said you hated raspberries, so she’d stopped eating them too."

A wave of sadness washed over Richard, and his voice dropped. "My foolish grandson. If that’s not having you in her heart, then what is? I think the problem isn’t that she doesn’t have you in her heart, but that you don’t have her in yours. I pushed for this marriage, and it seems I’ve wronged you. If you don't want it, you can just say so. Don’t hurt such a wonderful girl."

Jamie was stunned by his grandfather’s tirade. He considered his grandfather a sharp man; how could he have been so completely taken in by Suzie? Was she really that good?

Slowly, Jamie stood, poured a glass of water, and handed it to Richard. "Grandpa, don’t get worked up," he said respectfully. "You’re right about everything. I’ll be better to Suzie from now on."

"That's more like it, you brat!" Richard let out a long breath of relief, took the glass, and downed it in one go.

By the time Suzie returned with the pastries, Richard had fallen asleep. She gently placed the box on the bedside table and sat in the chair beside him, watching him for a long time.

"He was very happy to see you," a cool, detached voice said from behind her.

"What do you mean, you can’t? Give me a reason," Jamie pressed, his gaze locked on her, unwilling to let it go. What was she so afraid of? Wasn't it that she couldn't let the secret in her belly see the light of day?

Suzie met his cold, sharp eyes. "Jamie, we have no relationship anymore. Do I really need to explain myself to you?"

"Is it impossible for you to speak without being so prickly?" Jamie's gaze swept over her makeup-free yet still delicate face, his calm tone tinged with annoyance.

Suzie didn’t reply. Instead, she remembered the incident at the restaurant and glared at him again. "Today at the restaurant, your man hit my friend. Either you apologize, or you have Aaron apologize!"