Page 79 of Only Ever You

“It’s not your fault.”

With a shake of her head, she leans against the desk. “I know, but I still think there’s so much that we don’t know. Something happened to Deacon. And it must have been something big for him to walk away from you.”

Tears well in my eyes. “I don’t know. Everyone keeps telling me how much he loved me, but the man I fell in love with wouldn’t leave like that.”

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out of my bag.

Frowning at the notification, I swipe up. Why would Adeline Walsh be tagging me on Instagram?

My throat tightens as I open the app.

She’s in Paris—at least her location says she is. And there’s a string of people tagged in the photos. The pictures themselves are from a club. She’s dancing and drinking, and when I reach the last photo, I gasp.

Deacon’s squinting—I assume because of the flash—but he’s right there with Adeline’s hand on his shoulder. She’s beaming her million-watt smile at the camera.

“Pippa? What’s wrong?” Mallory asks.

I slam my hand to my mouth, biting down on it to trying to stop the tears that threaten to fall.

She rounds the desk, her eyes full of concern as she pulls my phone from my hand.

The photo’s still on the screen.

Concern turns to anger, and before I know it, she’s throwing the phone on the office couch and wrapping her arms around me.

“I’m going to kill that bitch,” she whispers. “Not sure if it’ll be before or after I kill Deacon.”

I bark out a laugh. “No need for extremes.”

Mallory lets me go. “None of this is fair, Pippa. You did nothing to deserve this.” She chews on her bottom lip. “I bet anything Deacon still didn’t touch Adeline. He wasn’t interested in her before you. Adeline was just too thick to realise that.”

Shaking my head, I let out a snort. “She’s not stupid. She’s devious—I’ll give her that.” Sighing, I move away and turn to the window. “I know Deacon wasn’t interested in her. He had plenty of time before me to be with her, and he wasn’t. Plus, if he wanted to hurt me with this photo, he would have been the one to send it.”

She grips my upper arms. “I’m glad you see it that way. I don’t know what’s going on in Deacon’s head—he’s not replying to any of our messages. But I have zero doubt he loves you. Something happened the night before the wedding. I’m convinced of it. I just don’t know what.”

I nod, and she rubs my arms. “When he comes back, I’ll sit him down and talk to him. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

Blinking back tears, I nod again. “I’m not sure that’s enough.”

Mallory sighs. “I’m sure it’s not. He’s a moron.”

“Thank you for caring.”

Garrett strolls into the room. His warm smile puts me at ease and without hesitation, he wraps his arms around me.

“Are you sure leaving is what you want?” he asks.

“I don’t see how I can stay,” I croak.

He places a kiss on the top of my head. “Any time you need a job, call me. If not here, I have contacts who would be lucky to have you working for them.”

Mallory retrieves my phone from the couch before handing it to me. “Do yourself a favour and block her. She’s stirring up trouble. We’ll get to the bottom of this—I promise.”

“The bottom of what?” Garrett flicks a confused look between Mallory and me.

“We’ll talk later.” Mallory pats him on the arm, and he gives her a tight nod.

“Thank you for everything. Both of you. I should get going.”

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