Page 53 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"No," I reply sharply. "One thing I’m not going to be is your chauffeur."

"You're my husband," she asserts, her voice tinged with possessiveness.

"I’m yourex-husband," I reply, putting deliberate emphasis on "ex," making sure there's no room for misunderstanding.

"You were mine for fifteen years," she continues, undeterred. "You’re the father of my child. My best friend. A piece of paper isn't enough to tear us apart."

"That 'piece of paper' was signed, notarized, and filed with the court," I remind her, my voice steely. "We're done."

"I’ll wait for you at the airport, Love," she says, her tone light and breezy, as if the entire conversation we just had never happened.

I grit my teeth. "Marian, I’m not coming. You’ll have to find another way."

“Don’t be late!” are the last words I hear before the call cuts off.

I stare at the screen, then dial her number again—once, twice, three times—but it goes straight to voicemail. My frustration builds, anger simmering just beneath the surface.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself before dialing Jon's number. He answers on the first ring, and after we trade the usual pleasantries, our conversation coasts on familiar ground. I bide my time, waiting for the right moment. When Lily’s name naturally comes up, I take another breath and say it: "Lily and I have been seeing each other."

The line falls into a heavy silence, as if Jon is processing the meaning of my words. Then, in a tone that’s almost resigned, he replies, "I figured. Loren hasn’t said anything outright, but I can read her like a book. Whenever you and Lily are mentioned in the same sentence, her face lights up. You know how she is."

I hesitate, but curiosity gets the better of me. "What about Aaron? What does he think?" I ask, recalling what Lily has told me about Loren’s husband—how protective he is, almost like a father to her.

"If Aaron has an opinion, he’ll share it with you directly," Jon replies, his voice taking on a warning edge. "Just remember, Noah, he’s not Lily’s father, but he and Loren were there for her when her mother passed away. They picked up the pieces when her own father was a thousand miles away. Respect their place in her life—that’s all I’m asking."

"I’ve asked her to marry me, Jon," I say firmly, leaving no room for doubt.

There’s a sharp intake of breath on the other end. "You’ve what?!" Jon’s voice is thick with disbelief. "Are you out of your mind?! You’ve known each other for less than two months!"

"With all due respect, Jon, you might see me as a son, but I’m a grown man. I know what I’m doing."

"Do you?" he snaps back. "Couldn’t you have waited? Given it more time? At least until after you spoke to Marian in person?"

"What does Marian have to do with this?" I demand, irritation bubbling to the surface.

Jon’s tone softens slightly, but the tension is still there. "I really wish you had waited, Noah."

"Waited for what, exactly?" I challenge. "For you to come back and try to talk me out of it?"

"Yes," he says bluntly. "Yes, I would’ve tried."

My patience snaps. "I’m going to marry her, Jon. There’s nothing—nothing—you or anyone else can do to stop us."

"She’s twenty-three," he reminds me, his voice tight with concern.

"So it’s the age difference that bothers you?" I counter. "Aren’t your daughters younger than their husbands?"

"Yes, but—" he starts, but I cut him off.

"But nothing, Jon. I love her, and she loves me. It’s that simple."

"It’s not that simple," he presses on. "She’s young, Noah. Is she ready for everything that comes with this? For being a mom to Davey? For Marian?"

"Lily adores Davey. She may not be his mother, but for the past two months, she’s been a strong, constant presence in his life, stepping into the role of a mother figure. As for Marian—her sole focus should be on being Davey’s mother, and I hope she keeps that in mind while she’s here. Because I will not allow her to come between Lily and me."

"Marian’s not going to give up without a fight," Jon warns, his voice dropping to a grave tone. "She told Sharon as much. We don’t want Lily caught in the middle of that battle."

"There's not going to be a battle," I say, my voice steady with resolve, but his words linger, leaving me unsettled.

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