Chapter 137

Dorothea spent a good while in her room, waiting for her cheeks to cool down and her nerves to settle. She only snapped out of it when Linda knocked on her door.

“Dorothea, dinner’s ready. If you don’t come down now, it’ll get cold p>

Linda had worked for the Stephens family for years, and she’d done everything she could to make things easier for the newlyweds. She glanced at Latham, who was sitting in the living room glued to his phone, not even pretending to head for the table. She knew he was just waiting for Dorothea.

Linda didn’t get why two perfectly decent people could be so awkward together. Still, she knew one thing for sure. Latham cared about Dorothea, more than he’d ever admit.

Dorothea knew she couldn’t avoid Latham forever. Hiding today just meant she’d have to face him tomorrow. She let out a quiet sigh and called out, “Coming p>

The steam from her shower was long gone, whisked away by the fan. She splashed her face with cold water, grabbed a couple of tissues to dry off, and headed downstairs.

Latham had just taken his seat. His dark eyes locked onto her the moment she appeared. “Did you get some rest p>

Dorothea gave a small nod. “Yeah p>

They ate in silence for a while, the clink of chopsticks filling the space between them. After five minutes, Latham couldn’t take it anymore.

“Did you see the press conference this afternoon p>

He always liked to get straight to the point.

Dorothea kept her head down, her pale fingers fidgeting with her chopsticks, stirring the rice in her bowl. “I saw it.” She looked up, her eyes searching his face. “Why did you say those things p>

The question had been gnawing at her. Was he just putting on a show for everyone else, or was there something in his words meant for her?

Latham’s eyes clouded over, the warmth fading. “It’s nothing. You don’t actually think I said that for you, do you p>

She froze for a second, but then relief flickered across her face. Latham’s gaze grew colder.

He slipped back into his usual teasing. “I said it for my dad. You know how he is, always suspicious, always worried we don’t get along p>

He paused for just a moment, then let out a soft scoff. “Or did you really think I meant it for you p>

Dorothea’s heart jumped. She shook her head quickly. “Of course not p>

Her voice came out too loud, the end trembling just a little. She sounded guilty, and she knew it.

Annoyed with herself, she tried to

focus on her food, but her eyes

caught on the tattoo just below Latham’s collarbone. He was

wearing a bathrobe, the collar loose

enough to make the ink stand out.

She hadn’t noticed it befor

but

tonight it was impossible to miss.

W.L.

The L was obviously for Latham, but the W… wasn’t that for Wade?

Dorothea’s mind spun. She hadn’t realized Latham could be so devoted. She’d watched Wade go through boyfriend after boyfriend, but Latham had Wade’s initia tattooed right over his heart.

Wade really was the one he couldn’t have, but couldn’t let go of.

Dorothea didn’t even know how to feel. It hurt, in a way, but there was a strange comfort in it, too. It meant ther relationship could stay exactly what it was supposed to be. She could keep her heart safe.

Latham narrowed his eyes, noticing the shift in her expression. Looked like she’d

fallen for his little story.

Easier than he thought.

He glanced down, shaking his head just a little. “Are you going to see Grandma tomorrow p>

He changed the subject smoothly.

“Yeah p>

She was surprised. “You’re coming with me p>

“Sure. I haven’t seen her much, but I think she’d like to know you’re doing well here.

That we’re… good together p>

Dorothea murmured a quiet thanks.