Chapter 32 Not Close
A wave of bittersweet emotion crept silently into Meryl’s heart.
It wasn’t for Dallon–no, it was for herself, for the version of her that had clung to hope for so long. Chandler’s large hand wrapped around her fingers. Before she could fully process what was happening, he slid a diamond ring onto her ring finger. The design wasn’t overly flashy, but it was exactly her style. As Chandler tightened his grip on her wrist, Meryl felt her heart race uncontrollably. He then extended two fingers and gently tapped her brow right between her eyes. In a voice rich with magnetism, he leaned in closer, whispering, “From now on, this spot can only think of me.”
Meryl instinctively nodded, but then the realization hit her—something felt off. “We’re not exactly close… are we?”
She thought, “We’re just strangers who happened to get married. How did we leap to the point where I’m supposed to think of him?”
“Sleeping together, kissing–if that doesn’t count as being familiar, then what does?” Chandler replied, a teasing glint in his eyes, his warm breath brushing against her ear.
As the bustling street around them faded, Meryl’s heart raced even faster, her fingers curling involuntarily. Meeting Chandler’s gaze, she took a deep breath, her ears suddenly hot.
After a brief pause, they returned home to rest. Meryl decided it was time to drag Chandler to the supermarket. The house felt immaculate, almost like a showroom, but it lacked the warmth of everyday life. She needed to pick up some essentials. However, the thought of the night ahead made her inexplicably anxious.
She thought, “Last night, Chandler had too much to drink and crashed on the couch. But tonight? We’re married now… We should be sleeping in the same bed, right?”
Just then, Meryl’s phone buzzed. She glanced down to see a message from Anne: [I just landed. Want to grab dinner tonight?] Meryl bit her lip, instinctively glancing toward the bedroom. Chandler had just emerged, tall and striking, having changed into fresh clothes. She quickly typed back: [I might not be able to. I got married today.] Anne’s response was immediate: [What’s going on?]
Meryl sighed: [I’ll explain later.]
Anne wasn’t convinced: [You didn’t just marry some random guy, did you? I know Dalton’s a jerk, but don’t settle for just anyone!] Meryl pressed her lips together, watching as Chandler headed toward the bathroom. Lowering her head, she continued typing: [It’s not like that. I saved his life.]
Anne shot back: [You’re not serious, right? Is this some kind of old–fashioned romance? Got any pictures? Send me one!] Meryl frowned: [No pictures.]
The only photo they had together was the one on their marriage license, which Chandler had promptly tucked away in a safe as soon as they got home. Anne persisted: [What’s his name? You can’t keep me in suspense!] Meryl hesitated, typing: [Chand…]
Just then, Chandler’s face loomed into her view, unexpectedly close. “Who are you texting?” Chandler asked, his cool breath washing over her. Meryl’s heart raced, and she quickly tucked her phone into her pocket. “Just a friend.” Chandler didn’t pry further.
Then, they went shopping.
Meanwhile, Dalton’s phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up with Meryl’s name. A smirk crept onto his face. He had just held a press conference where he publicly announced his engagement to Lydia, putting the hotel scandal to rest.
“So, Meryl’s calling me now to win me back? Isn’t it a bit too late for that?” Dalton mused, curious to hear what she had to say. After the fifth ring, Dalton finally picked up, but just as he put the phone to his ear, Meryl hung up. The busy signal echoed in his ears. He frowned, confusion etched on his face.
He thought, “What’s going on? Meryl never hangs up on me. Even when I deliberately ignore her calls, she just lets the phone ring until it automatically cuts off after the sixth ring, then calls back after a thirty–second pause.”
With this in mind, Dalton set his phone back on the table, waiting for it to light up again. But this time, he waited a full two minutes, and the screen remained dark. Dalton clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, a flash of irritation crossing his eyes. He thought, “So, Meryl is just messing with me, huh?”