Substitute Marriage With the Illegitimate Son novel Chapter 1290

Garrett's visage bore the weight of exhaustion, his desolate expression a far cry from the suave and debonair nobleman he once was.

For the first time, Janet saw him in such a state, gasping in astonishment, "What's wrong with you?" With a feeble attempt at a smile, Garrett replied, "I'm fine."

Brandon crossed his arms and regarded him with indifference. "You can't torment yourself like this just because your wife and child left you. Who are you trying to impress with this misery?"

His eyes shimmering with pain, Garrett murmured, "Yes, they're not with me, and no one will care about what I look like."

The memory of the last time he saw Laney and their baby had grown hazy.

To alleviate his pain, Janet quickly changed the subject. "What brings you to us today?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, he managed a bitter smile. "I wanted to share a meal with you. Do you have time?"

Exchanging glances, Janet and Brandon sighed.

They retreated to an elegant restaurant, reserving the most secluded private room.

As the food arrived, Garrett filled his glass with wine and downed it in one swift motion.

"Laney..." Garrett paused, his voice muffled. "Is she doing well? Are she and our baby happy over there?"

Janet chose her words carefully before responding, "They're doing fine. I spoke with her a few days ago,

and she said they're happy there, and your baby is thriving."

She assumed Garrett would find solace in her words, but, to her surprise, he merely shook his head and released a wry chuckle. Undeterred, he continued to drown his sorrows in several more glasses of wine. "Garrett, you..." Janet glanced at Brandon, hoping that as his close friend, he would advise moderation. But Brandon shook his head, whispering, "Let him release his emotions. He's been holding them in for too long."