Unrepairable Love

Chapter 27

Alexander was dressed in gray, looking rather relaxed. But the moment he saw Elizabeth, his brows furrowed. His eyes darted to Joseph, then back to Joseph, who stood behind Elizabeth, holding her hands, his expression intense.

Esme gasped, not expecting to encounter Elizabeth and Joseph again. She just wanted some alone time with Alexander!

Joseph released Elizabeth's hands, stepped back, and stood beside her.

“What a coincidence,” Alexander spoke first, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Elizabeth shot him a look, catching his sarcastic tone. “Yeah, quite the coincidence, Mr. Tudor.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed; her formal address only fueled his anger.

Elizabeth turned to Joseph, smiling. “Joseph, shall we continue?”

Alexander squinted. Joseph? They’d just gone on a date yesterday, and now she’s all chummy with him?

“Sure,” Joseph replied gently, his smile soft. “Let’s have a game later.”

“You know I can’t beat you at golf,” Elizabeth grumbled.

Joseph’s lips curled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Well, if I win, how about a movie tomorrow?” He tilted his head, grinning wider.

Elizabeth looked at Joseph, unsure if he was serious or just playing along because Alexander was there. Either way, she was grateful to Joseph. He always had her back when Alexander was around.

Esme, watching their playful banter, couldn’t help but ask, “I heard Mr. Joseph Stewart and Mr. Landon Stewart visited the Percy family this morning?”

Alexander frowned. Really?

“Was it to thank Elizabeth for saving Mr. Stewart a few days ago?” Esme asked casually, aiming her cue and glancing at Elizabeth.

Joseph smiled, answering politely. “That was part of it, but not the whole story.”

“What do you mean?” Esme asked with a curious smile.

“I’m dating Elizabeth?” Joseph raised an eyebrow, sinking the ball with a smooth shot.

Alexander’s eyes narrowed. He needed to know if they’d just met or if there was history. Was Elizabeth’s sudden push for a divorce because of Joseph? The thought gnawed at him.

Elizabeth’s voice broke through, “Nice shot.”

Alexander grabbed a cue, his face unreadable. He figured she was a newbie. He took his shot, and the ball dropped in.

Elizabeth wasn’t fazed. Alexander was always good at everything. She admired him for it. She got into rock climbing and off-roading because he loved them. In high school and college, she followed his lead, hoping to share his passions.

“So, you brought your father to meet Elizabeth’s parents. Engagement on the horizon?” Esme asked, tilting her head.

“Something like that,” Joseph nodded.

Elizabeth studied Joseph’s face. He lied so easily.

Alexander stared off, then muttered, “No wonder my wife’s rushing the divorce.”

So she really has someone else and wants to get married, he thought.

Everyone turned to look at Alexander.

Elizabeth scowled, clearly ticked off. “The divorce papers are signed. I’m not ‘my wife’ anymore. If Mr. Tudor can’t figure out what to call me, try ‘Ms. Percy’ or ‘ex-wife.’”

Alexander’s icy stare locked onto Elizabeth. Their eyes met, each showing different emotions. His gaze was colder, carrying an unspoken challenge, like he was silently asking, “How long are you gonna keep this up?”

Elizabeth’s look was more detached, almost mocking. She wasn’t buying whatever he was selling.