Chapter 12
In a flash, Thiago was on top of Quincey, trying not to crush her. She reached out to steady him but ended up yanking his suit jacket open instead. Thiago winced as he twisted his arm, trying to avoid hurting her.
“Thiago, you okay?” Quincey asked, biting her lip. She tried to sit up to check him out but forgot she was stuck under him. She bumped his shoulder and ended up ripping his shirt button off by accident.
With a grimace, Thiago felt the cool air on his skin and thought, ‘Are you kidding me? This is a custom shirt?”
Before he could say anything, Quincey was already tearing up. “Tm so sorry, Thiago. That was my bad.”
Somehow, looking at her pretty face, Thiago felt irked for the first time.
“It’s fine. Just a shirt,” he said in that deep voice that made girls go crazy.
Quincey’s heart skipped a beat. She gathered her courage and wrapped her arms around his waist. He tensed up immediately.
“Quincey, let go. Thiago said, his voice cool and sharp.
But Quincey held on. Thiago, I love you. And now that you and Whitney are done, maybe we could-
“Quincey!” Thiago kept his cool but his voice was firm. “Do you hear yourself? Just because Whitney and I split doesn’t mean anything. I could get her back in a heartbeat. Got it?”
Inside. Quincey was boiling with anger. Distracted by her thoughts, she barely noticed Thiago pushing her arms away and straightening up. He put his suit back together, except for the missing button, looking as sharp as he did when he walked in.
The trust Thiago had for Quincey was gone, just like he used to give Whitney a hard time for no real reason.
Seeing his look, Quincey’s heart sank. She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She knew talking would only make things worse.
‘Dammit, I shouldn’t have touched him!‘ she cursed mentally.
“I’ll send someone over to take care of you, Thiago said after a pause, his tone firm. “But Quincey, let’s not have a repeat of today.”
He walked out, leaving Quincey fuming so much she screamed in frustration.
passing nurse knocked on the door. “Excuse me, this is a hospital. Please keep it down.”
Quincey stopped yelling, fuming to herself, ‘Now even a nurse is giving me orders? This is all Whitney’s fault! How can she still be in every corner of my life, even after she’s out of Thiago’s? I’m the only one for him, not her!
Last night at six, the Greene’s place was all lit up and buzzing. The whole crew had been on their feet since the crack of dawn, gearing up for the big dinner bash.
A servant was about to open the door after the doorbell rang. Suddenly, Myles ran over from the kitchen. “It’s gotta be Winnie. I’ll get it.”
Seeing that, the servant returned to her work smilingly.
Whitney, sitting on her suitcase, rang the doorbell again. “That’s weird. Why isn’t anyone getting the door yet?”
Chapter 12
No sooner had she said that than the expensive mahogany door abruptly opened. Whitney looked up and saw the tall, handsome Myles, who was wearing a surprising choice of apron–a pink one adorned with Hello Kitty.
“Myles!” Whitney rushed forward and gave him a bear hug. “I’ve missed you so much”
Myles was over the moon, but he tried to act all tough. “Hey, I’m a mess. You really wanna hug it out?”
“I don’t mind.” Whitney grinned from ear to ear, hugging Myles‘ arm. Her gaze fell on his apron, and she teased, “Looks like you’ve specially changed up your look for me today.”
“Don’t flatter yourself. Myles shot back, flicking her nose playfully.
Then, they entered the living hall together as Myles took Whitey’s suitcase. The Greene manor was still like before; even the vases remained where they were.
Whitney felt a pinch in her heart. When push came to shove, her family was always there. She couldn’t help thinking how whack it was to stay away for years over some dude who wasn’t worth it.
“What’s wrong?” asked Myles attentively upon sensing the change in Whitney’s mood. “Look at you, all grown up and still sobbing.
“I’m not crying.” Whitney sniffled and forced her tears back, musing. That scumbag isn’t worth it. Home is best.
After chatting with Myles for a while, Whitney took her suitcase to her room. She had stayed in the Mackenzie manor for so many years, but there was nothing that she could really bring home.
A servant knocked on the door once Whitney briefly unpacked her stuff. “Winnie, it’s time for dinner.”
“I’ll be right down,” answered Whitney.
Although the Greene family was well–off, they didn’t have a profligate lifestyle and seldom had a big feast. Today, due to Whitney returning home, Charles Greene–her father–celebrated it by personally cooking up a storm.
Catching a whiff of dinner, Whitney knew who was behind the feast. Taking a seat, she teased, “Dad, this is a ton of food. What about not wasting?”
“My girl’s home. That’s all that matters Charles beamed, sliding the meat platter her way. “Stay put from now on,
Winnie.
Whitney nodded while eating. “I’m not going anywhere anymore.”
Since the divorce papers had been signed, she and the Mackenzie family were now no longer related. She’d reclaim what they owed her, one step at a time.
“That better be the case.” A sarcastic male voice came out of nowhere.
Whitney looked up at her sharp–dressed, wise–cracking brother, Hayden. “Hayden, I’m already sitting here. Cut me some slack, will you?”
Hayden Greene, her second older brother, curled his lip, sounding unmoved. “So you’ve learned how to talk back, at least.
Whitney discreetly rolled her eyes yet felt rather nostalgic about his smart mouth.
“Cut the crap.” Myles kicked Hayden. “Just when will you have something nice to say?”
Charles glanced speechlessly at the two brothers, but his gaze filled with fondness when he turned back to Whitney. “Now that you’re back, maybe help Myles with the company? You could support each other.”
Chapter 12
The two stopped bickering right away.
With the family dough, Whitney could chill without working a day in her life. The family business suggestion was just them, not wanting a repeat of the Thiago mess. No more heartache for her.
Wise as she was, Whitney knew what they meant. Indeed, working for the family business would be the fastest way for her to achieve her goals, but she didn’t want to use her family as a stepping stone.
She was sure she could make it on her own.
