Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 1184 Embers of Hope

"Listen, you must act like nothing's changed and stick to the plan. It's the only way to keep Violet from getting suspicious about me."

Even with Violet by his side, he couldn't shake the lingering sense that the Belcourt family still eyed him suspiciously.

Violet's mistrust likely originated from her own lingering doubts about him.

Otherwise, she would have made the long journey from Adania to Yatesville without taking some action.

Maybe that birthday party had been just what Violet needed to relax finally.

He hesitated, stealing a glance at Lucy.

It wouldn't be fair to her.

"I'm sorry, but I decline."

Lucy took a deep breath, her gaze narrowing as she looked at Lennon with a hintnoveldrama

of sarcasm. "I'm not interested in being your pawn to salvage your relationship."

"Help me out this time," Lennon insisted, his lips pursed.

"I won't contest you for custody of Alexis in the future," he added firmly.

"Otherwise, you know my lawyer is more than capable."

Lucy sat at the table, lips pressed together, and hands clenched tightly in her lap.

Lennon was now openly discussing Violet in her presence, referring to their relationship.

Did he honestly think she wouldn't feel hurt or upset?

The man she had once deeply loved was now with the woman who had nearly caused her harm and put their child in danger.

He was even willing to give up custody of their son to degrade himself in front of that woman.

How much did he genuinely care about her?

He cared enough to tolerate the woman who had once profoundly hurt him, nearly taking their child's life.

He cared enough not to desire anything-neither Lucy nor their son.

She closed her eyes, a bitter smile playing on her lips.

"I guess I don't have a choice, do I?"

Lennon stayed silent.

His silence spoke volumes, a tacit agreement in itself.

Lucy took a deep breath, meeting Lennon's gaze with calm resolve.

"I agree with you," she began, her voice steady. "But let me make one thing clear."

She fixed him with a mocking and indifferent stare. "Lennon, I've lost respect for you. When we were together, you never stood up for me. Now that I've moved on and married Colin, I've found my happiness."

"Now you're using our child to manipulate me, to pave the way for your relationship with Violet," Lucy exclaimed, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"I have no respect left for you."

With those words, she stood up and walked away.

Lennon tightened his grip on the coffee cup, his gaze fixed on the direction Lucy had disappeared.

"I recall you agreed to assist with Violet's birthday arrangements," he stated firmly. "Let's see the plans you had in mind."

Lucy's heart sank like ice.

She had expected him to show some sign of sadness after her harsh words, but he remained stoic.

A feeling of invisible pressure gripped his heart, causing him profound anguish.

Lucy sneered and turned away. "Let's postpone this," she declared coldly. "I'm not up for dealing with you today."

She grabbed her handbag with a graceful stride and made her exit.

Lennon sat in silence at the table, deep in thought. His eyes followed her departure with a mix of contemplation and remorse.

Cherise and Mandy spent the entire day chatting inside the villa.

As evening approached, Mandy proposed heading out for drinks with Lucy.

Cherise, not one to frequent bars and hardly a drinker, didn't object; she saw it as a way to pass the time with Lucy.