Chapter 60: Greatest Regret
Ares, despite knowing better, stretched his hand out for a handshake, though he was fully aware that Zylan wouldn’t acknowledge him. But still, he tried. However, much to both his and Naomi’s surprise, Zylan had already turned away as he held Naomi’s hand. With a quiet but firm gesture, Zylan guided Naomi to the chair, gently pushing it in for her to sit.
Ares froze, his hand still outstretched, as he watched the scene unfold before him. The shock was palpable. Naomi, sensing the discomfort in the air, quickly spoke up, her voice steady but firm. "If you don’t mind, my husband would prefer to join our conversation."
Ares blinked, trying to process the words. He shook his head slightly, his lips curving into a strained smile.
"Of course," he said, but internally, he couldn’t hide his surprise and the lingering frustration. He did mind—he really did—but there was nothing he could do about it now. It was too late to voice any objection. No denying just the word husband left him feeling a slight pang of pain, but he smiled it off.
Naomi had already made it clear, and he had no choice but to accept it. His thoughts shifted quickly, reminding himself of a lesson he should have learned long ago—that in life, opportunities slip away quickly, and if you’re not fast enough, someone else will seize them before you.
Ares let out a soft sigh and forced another smile, attempting to mask the tension he was feeling. "I don’t mind at all" he said, his voice smoother than he felt.
Naomi returned a polite smile, but it was clear that she was aware of the unease between them. Meanwhile, Zylan, standing beside Naomi, stared at Ares with a cold, scrutinizing look. Ares gulped, the weight of Zylan’s gaze making him feel small and uncomfortable. He quickly sat down, trying to shake off the sense of unease that had settled over him. Shifting his focus back to Naomi, he cleared his throat and forced a more casual tone. "Would you like to order some coffee?" he asked, attempting to steer the conversation back to something normal, though it felt awkward with Zylan’s looming presence at the table.
Just as those words left his mouth, Naomi raised an eyebrow, surprised. Then Ares spoke gently, "Just kidding. I know you don’t take coffee—just tea."
Naomi smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed. "You still remember?"