Chapter 17

Tanya's presence, though annoying, didn't spoil my appetite. I enjoyed a large plate of creamy pasta before returning to the office. As soon as I arrived, I received a call from Lindey. I hadn't been home in two days, so her call was expected. "Hey, Lindey."

"Rea, don't stay at your friend's place too long. Come home tonight. I made gnocchi with cumin and ground beef," Lindey said, eliciting a smile.

It seemed Jace had already concocted an excuse for my absence. I'd decided to move back to my apartment in Emberholm, so I needed to go to the Johnston place to pack my belongings. I told Lindey, "I'll be back tonight," and left it at that.

As the workday ended, Demi approached. "Keira, are you doing okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, puzzled.

"Office gossip. Ignore it. I've seen how much Mr. Johnston cares about you," Demi said, concealing her phone behind her back.

"Hand it over," I said, my tone serious.

Reluctantly, Demi gave me her phone and opened their private gossip group. The conversation mirrored what I'd heard yesterday, but included details about Tanya and Jace's past. Turns out they were college classmates, along with Desmond. Rumors of a past love triangle even surfaced.

I hadn't known any of this. Even if it was just gossip, there might be some truth to it.

After returning Demi's phone, I drove off. But instead of going to the Johnston residence, I went to see Steve at his pool hall. He was playing billiards and invited me to join. "Want to play a few games?"

I'd been there before with Jace, who had taught me how to play. I took off my coat, grabbed a cue, and joined Steve.

"Not bad, you've learned from the best," he said, implicitly complimenting Jace.

"Did you go to college with Jace?" I asked, lining up my shot.

"Yeah, why do you ask? Digging for some school-time gossip?" Steve was perceptive.

"Did anything happen between him and Tanya back then?" I asked bluntly.

Steve stopped and looked at me. I smiled faintly. "I know you won't lie to me."

"There wasn't," Steve said, executing a perfect shot. "I guarantee it."

He looked at me. "Why the sudden interest?"

"Just curious," I replied and took a shot.

"You're supposed to get married tomorrow. If you've decided to be together, you need to trust each other," Steve added. "Congratulations in advance on your wedding."

"We broke up," I said, making Steve's hand falter.

After a moment, he nodded. "Better to break up now than divorce later."

He was straightforward. Remembering his earlier advice, I said, "Thanks, Steve."

"Yeah?" he responded, puzzled.

I didn't explain further and left, heading back to the Johnston residence. As soon as I entered, I saw Jace's car already parked in the driveway. Walking toward the house, I heard Matthew's angry voice from inside. "Rea is your fiancée! How could you be carrying another woman outside the office? You can be shameless, but at least show Rea some respect!"

Apparently, the office gossip had reached Jace's parents. Now I knew why they'd summoned me back.

"Jace Johnston, if you don't marry Rea tomorrow, don't bother coming back to this house," Matthew yelled again.