Chapter 46

At Steve’s pool hall, Jace took a shot and missed all the balls. Steve shook his head slightly while wiping his cue. “Keira still hasn’t replied to your message?”

Jace remained silent. Steve aimed at the most awkwardly placed ball on the table. With a thud, the ball glided smoothly into the pocket.

“Doesn’t make sense. She wasn’t mad when you talked to her, so why is she being stubborn now?” Steve was puzzled.

Jace thought about the time Keira had come to play pool. “What did she ask you about back then?”

Steve pocketed another ball and perched himself on the pool table. “I told you, she asked if anything was going on between you, Tanya, and Desmond at school. I told her no, so her leaving has nothing to do with me.”

“I’m not blaming you. Why are you so defensive?” Jace said bitterly.

Steve looked at the last ball on the table but glanced at Jace instead of taking the shot. “You really don’t know why she left? Why she refused to marry you?”

“I don’t know. She’s just throwing a tantrum. I’ve spoiled her all these years!” Jace snapped.

Since Keira and Jace didn’t get married, Jace’s parents had been giving him the cold shoulder, and even people at work were talking. Rumors were flying that he cheated, which was why Keira left. People can be so quick to fabricate stories.

“Spare me. You spoiled her?” Steve laughed. “You just got used to having Keira around, thinking she’d never leave. That’s why you could say you weren’t into her and why you haven’t even tried looking for her.”

“How am I supposed to find her? Should I plaster ‘missing person’ posters everywhere?” Jace remained stubborn.

Steve shook his head, deciding not to argue. He effortlessly sank the last ball, showcasing his skill.

Jace huffed in annoyance. “Let’s play another round.”

“Jace,” Steve said as Jace lined up his next shot, “Keira loves you, but she has dignity. If you didn’t do something to shatter it, she wouldn’t have left like this.”

“What did I do?” Jace sounded frustrated.

“That’s for you to figure out,” Steve said, nudging his chin. “Sometimes, you need to ask yourself if you truly love Keira or if you’re just too used to her.”

“Even if the passion is gone, she’s been part of your life for ten years. You owe it to her to find her. If something happens to her, you’ll never forgive yourself.”

Steve’s words made Jace miss his shot again. He threw his cue onto the table in frustration and stormed out. Even playing pool couldn’t go right today.

“By the way,” Steve called as Jace was about to leave, “I heard the Hart family found their missing son from twenty years ago. He’ll be back soon.” Jace frowned slightly.

“Apparently, this guy is pretty extraordinary,” Steve continued. “If you’re planning to work with the Hart family, you’d better hurry before any complications arise.”

“And about Keira—if you still care about her, drop the pride and make the first move,” Steve advised as Jace exited.

Watching Jace leave without a word, Steve sighed. “You’ll regret it someday.”