Page 54 of Ellie 3

“That’s actually really sweet and I would have liked it,” he admitted.

“Glad you think so,” I said, reaching over and tapping the bag. “This is sex.”

“No,no, Ellie. It’s meant to be fun forus.”

“Well, I don’t wear stockings and garters, so it seems like changing me for you,” I snapped.

He opened his mouth but then closed it. Ha-joon tried again and then let a slow breath out before seeming to mentally say “fuck it.” He grabbed the bag and shoved it in my garbage. “I obviously missed the mark of what should have been next for gifts between us, but I don’t think that was a fair shotat all. I’ve accepted secrets and more—acceptedyou.”

He seemed at a loss and just left.

“Damnit,” I sighed when he was gone. He wasn’t wrong.

I just didn’t think I was either. How I handled it probably, but… Fuck.

And I didn’t know how to fix what I’d done, how to process what I was feeling, or even where to start. Then I realized I hadn’t had a good talk with Renee in a while. I knew her kids were still at her parents’ for the summer because they lived by the ocean and the kids loved it. She went out there on weekends and for a few weeks.

But she would be home now. I picked up the good Chinese she liked and a couple bottles of wine, figuring that was the price of dropping by for help… And walked into chaos.

“Renee?” I whispered when I found her sitting in the middle of her living room that looked like it had been ransacked. “Renee, did you call the police? Are they still here?”

She frowned and glanced up at me for a full moment and then burst out laughing. “Oh, I bet that—no, there wasn’t a burglary. Gods, I’m mortified you’re seeing this. I want to scream you’re seeing this and came over, but I was the one who lectured you so much about letting people in and not to ever be embarrassed between friends. Great, I’m a hypocrite also.”

I was so confused, but at least she hadn’t been robbed. “I got your favorite and some wine.”

She stared at her hands for a full minute before she let out a shaky breath. “I know you’re here for help, but I’m glad you’re here because I need help. I really need help, Ellie. I came home and realized I didn’t want to…”

Keep living. It was in her aura. “Renee, what happened?”

“My mate’s been having an affair,” she choked out.

“That bastard,” I hissed as I sat next to her and hugged her.

“I ignored all of the signs. I was so—it was so blatant. He wanted to get caught. He said as much. He said the fact it tookme so long proved this was all my fault and how I neglected him—our mating. All I cared about was my job, ASH, and our kids.”

“Bullshit,” I hissed, shaking her when she just covered her face. “Bullshit, Renee. Even I remember that he was the one who wanted to stay home full time when you guys decided to have kids. He wanted that. He was the one who pushed for kids. Yes, you wanted them, and you love them to bits, buthewas the one who outlined the plan.

“He doesn’t get to play the victim—it’s bullshit. If he was unhappy then you talk. Things can bechangedand something else—I know how much you make. I was the one who gave you the raise when we just renegotiated your contract. You could hire a nanny or three if he was unhappy. If he had told you, you would have suggested that in a heartbeat.”

“I would have,” she choked out. “You brought wine? I drank everything here in between tearing apart my house the past few weeks once the shock was over.”

“Where has he been?” I worried.

“I tossed him out to be with his slut while I figured out what comes next,” she mumbled. “He tried to drain our accounts so I didn’t screw him.”

“More like hide what he can since you found out before he was ready,” I grumbled as I moved her to the kitchen with the food and wine. The dining room was just as trashed as the living room, so that wasn’t an option.

She snorted. “He laughed when I asked how much he’s spent on her or demanded to know if he’s stolen from me. He said I financially abuse him and he’ll get a ton in alimony since he’ll get the kids. He’s going to take my kids, Ellie.”

“We won’t let that happen. We won’t let him use them,” I promised, kissing her hair as I put food in front of her. I went for a wine opener and found what we could use for glasses. “But youneed help, Renee. If you’ve known for a bit, it’s beyond time to act.”

“I know. I know that but…” She quietly cried before taking a huge gulp of the wine I poured her.

“Let me get Carla here,” I begged. “She’ll know what to do.” More like she was much better at handling situations like this than I was. I wasn’t the best with the personal aspect.

“I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable,” Renee whispered.

“Hey, you didn’t.” I tapped the table until she looked at me. “You. Didn’t.” I stared her down until she nodded. “I just don’t want to make it worse, Renee. I jump into what’s next and everyone isn’t ready for that. I move into battle and fixing what I can. It’s—it’s the only way I know to be.”

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