Chapter 1599:
“You seriously carry our marriage certificate around? Who does that?”
To Charlette, that was the kind of thing you tucked into a drawer and forgot about.
Ellis gave a small nod.
“Mm.”
For a moment, Charlette was speechless. Then she leaned in, her voice dropping to a mischievous whisper.
“Worried I’ll pretend I’m single? Relax. I’m quite satisfied with you… physically. No plans to change husbands—at least not for now.”
Ellis straightened, trying to stay composed, though a blush betrayed him.
Elsewhere, Kiera watched the newlyweds with wide-eyed wonder, a soft pink creeping across her cheeks.
Louis leaned in, his words quiet and teasing, sending another rush of color to Kiera’s face as she ducked her head in bashful delight.
Kiera clapped her hands over her ears, eyes wide as she stared at Louis in disbelief.
Louis only grinned and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.
“Thinking about your own walk down the aisle? Don’t worry. Our turn is coming up.”
Kiera shoved him away, cheeks blazing.
“Stop it! That’s not what I was thinking at all. And could you keep your voice down? People are looking.”
The heat of everyone’s attention made her want to vanish. And he had just kissed her in public.
Louis couldn’t help smiling at her flustered reaction. She was absolutely adorable.
Neither of them noticed Malcolm across the room, brooding with a gaze that was sharp and unreadable.
Malcolm downed another drink, irritation simmering as he watched Louis hover near his little sister. He’d never outright forbidden Louis from courting Kiera, but every affectionate look made something inside him snap.
𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓶 𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮: 𝓰⍶𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀﹐𝓬𝓸𝓶
He held it together until the last toast faded. Then, jaw clenched, he slipped out.
Not long after, Karen followed.
Feeling the effects of one drink too many, Malcolm tugged at his collar and headed outside for some fresh air.
With a faint flush rising in her cheeks, Karen approached. Malcolm glanced down at her as he lit a cigarette.
“Did you need something?”
Karen hesitated, fingers fidgeting with her skirt, her heart hammering as she watched him. Malcolm loosened his tie and stepped into the cool night, cigarette between his fingers, looking every bit the rugged rebel. She wasn’t used to seeing this side of him, and it caught her off guard.
She couldn’t explain the nerves twisting in her stomach. Finally, uncertain but determined, she spoke, lashes fluttering.
“I just wanted to say thank you. For looking out for me earlier.”
Malcolm exhaled a slow stream of smoke, his eyes never leaving hers.
“That’s it? Just a thank you?”
.
.
.