Dear Ex-wife, Marry Me novel Chapter 1848

Carol finished her dinner alone, the clinking of silverware against the plate her only company. The maid, quiet as a mouse, ventured a question, "Shall I set aside some for him?"

"No need. He can dine on the cold comfort of the night air."

The maid dared not utter another word and continued to wipe down the table in silence.

After dinner, Carol retreated to her bedroom for a soothing bath.

As she was about to sink into her bed, her phone buzzed with a message from her father, Abner.

It turns out Felix hadn't lied—Abner wasn't locked away from the world. He was still in touch with the outside, and now, a team of professionals was tending to his health. Carol breathed a sigh of relief.

[Carol, what are you up to?]

[Heading to bed, Dad. How are you feeling?]

[Not too bad. Survived the slammer without kicking the bucket, must be the old Miller family luck.]

Carol, completely missing the undertone in her father's text, felt a flare of anger.

[Dad, I'm sorry. It's all my fault.]

No sooner had she sent the message than Abner, ever the tactician, probed.

[What about that boy?]

[Kneeling outside, acting crazy. No idea what got into him tonight.]

A wave of satisfaction washed over Abner. He casually placed a chess piece on the board and, without a second thought, declared to his buddy across the table, "Checkmate. You lost, my friend."

His friend, cursing under his breath, put down his own piece and took a deep breath.

"Crafty fox, I could've had this game."