Chapter 28

The tension was thick, and Esme quickly interjected, “Alexander, Alexander, why do you always pick fights with Elizabeth the moment you see her?” Alexander averted his gaze, his expression hardening. He forced a smile. “You two were married once. Even if you don’t care about her anymore, she’s still a woman. Can’t you just let it go?”

Elizabeth tuned out Esme’s words. She knew Esme was trying to rub her relationship with Alexander in her face and make her feel small. Just being in her presence was aggravating.

“Since we bumped into each other, it’s fate. Elizabeth, how about a game? Loser has to do whatever the winner says. Deal?” Esme approached with a fake-friendly vibe.

Elizabeth smirked; Esme was up to her old tricks. Esme knew Elizabeth sucked at golf, and now she wanted to play a game with her. Esme blinked, playing dumb. “Elizabeth, you scared? Don’t know how to play golf?”

“Don’t you already know if I can play or not?” Elizabeth shot back.

Esme didn’t expect Elizabeth to be so bold. She clung to Alexander’s arm. That little move made Elizabeth’s heart ache. She envied Esme. No matter what, Alexander always had her back.

“Does she really need to know if you can play?” Alexander snapped.

Elizabeth looked at him, a mix of emotions swirling inside. He always took Esme’s side. I just love you. Why do you treat me like this? she thought.

“Elizabeth’s not great at golf. How about this, Ms. Russell, I’ll play with—,” Joseph said, pulling Elizabeth behind him.

For the first time, Elizabeth felt safe, something she never felt with Alexander. Looking at Joseph’s back, she felt a wave of gratitude. Alexander glared at Joseph, eyes blazing.

Esme glanced at Joseph but didn’t bite. She just smiled at Elizabeth and said, “I still want to play with Elizabeth.” No matter what, Alexander would back her up. So Esme didn’t mind being a bit arrogant.

“Ms. Russell, isn’t it a bit much to force someone?” Joseph said, smirking.

“Didn’t Elizabeth come here to have fun? We’re just having a good time. What’s so unreasonable about that?” Esme shot back, her face smug.

Elizabeth’s throat tightened as she stared at Esme. Hard to believe they used to be so close. They’d skipped school together, wore matching dresses, bought the same jewelry—practically inseparable, almost like lovers. But now? Everything was different.

“If Elizabeth doesn’t want to play, she can just sit and hold my stuff, right?” Esme raised an eyebrow, a glint of malice in her eyes.

Elizabeth’s face went cold. Does she think I’m her servant? The nerve! she thought.

“Ms. Russell, are you serious? This is Elizabeth. You want her to serve you?” Joseph’s eyes darkened, losing their warmth.

“If Elizabeth won’t play golf or do anything else, did she come here just to flirt with men?” Esme snapped, unable to hold back. Her words got nastier by the second.

Elizabeth had enough. “Fine, I’ll play golf with you,” she said coldly. She was always straightforward, never afraid of a challenge; otherwise, she wouldn’t have married Alexander.

Alexander frowned, surprised Elizabeth agreed. Esme squinted, mocking Elizabeth for being so clueless. Elizabeth had barely touched a golf club, while Esme had been playing for years. Yet, Elizabeth dared to challenge her.

“Alright! Let’s make this bet even juicier! Loser has to kiss the first guy they see after leaving!”