Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0270

Marcus and I went to a restaurant, and he didn’t say a word until the dishes were being served. “Let’s eat first. We can talk about everything later.”

I glanced at the neatly arranged cutlery on the table and remained still. “I need you to tell me what you want to discuss with me before I can decide if Til be able to eat this meal.”

His hand hovered over the food, and he paused. “You’ve grown up, Ari. Why does it feel like we’ve drifted apart?”

1 plastered a smile on my face. “There’s no such thing, Marcus.”

Marcus looked at me intently. “I’ve heard that my younger brother has been spending a lot of time with you recently. I always thought it was the two of you who were distant. I remember you married Nick.”

I nodded. “Since you’re so close to him, you should know that Nick and I have already divorced,”

He forced a smile. “When did that happen? I remember you and Nick were still-

I gently spun the lazy Susan on the table, cutting him off. “Marcus, if you’re curious about what happened between Nicholas and me, you’d better ask

him.

“I think this short rib steak is cooked quite well. I recall how much you loved. it when you were a kid.”

Marcus paused for a moment before responding, “Yeah, I ordered this dish. because I thought you’d still like it even though you’ve grown up.

“I guess I still see you as a kid. So, those childhood promises don’t meant much anymore, Ari.”

It was evident that Marcus had approached me because of Pete. Although we hadn’t started seeing each other yet, there were already so many hurdles.

Marcus, as if worried I wouldn’t understand, made himself very clear. “In my

eyes. Pure is no different from a chire

The stroked his wine glass with this index Anger, ifted it and took a sip. T margine you already know why I’ve asked youtere. To be honest, we initially wanted to let our precious gem grow on its own.

“However, my wife’s health has been desining and need to care for her I’ve started to struggle with the company, so asked my family to support Pere

1 frowned as I wasn’t particularly interested in the Sherman family’s interal affairs. However, since he wanted to talk, I had no reason to interrupt him. So, I just listened

Inimally, I was going to set him up with a heiress from an equai–standing farmily. Then, he would’ve been able to get married when he was ready to Settle down. Unfortunately, things changed when you got divorced.”

For some reason, I felt offended. No one wanted to go through a divorce, and no one would want their divorce to be brought up and discussed repeatedly in front of others.

My expression darkened, and he noticed. His narrow eyes namowed slightly. showing just a hint of apology.

“Pete missed his chance with you in the past, and I don’t believe things have changed. You two just aren’t compatible. Besides, I know my younger brother well–he can’t compete with Nick, neither in business nor im relationships.

“From where I stand, it’s clear that Nick has feelings for you, and you have feelings for him, and I fear my naive little brother will be the one who gets hurt in the end.”

Nicholas had feelings for me? That was absurd. Marcus had no idea what happened between Nicholas and me or the horrible things Nicholas had

done.

I abruptly rose from my seat, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. “I don’t think we’re r

every relation

enough for you to discuss my personal life. I take Jusly and make my decisions with care.

280, whether Pete ces but is n you netshs”

pulled my wallet out of my bag. The con mink I have another chance to catch up with you Marcus Istressed he words “catch up

and turned to leave.

Marcus called out after me, “Ariana, do you really want me to spell it out for you? we used to be dose family fews be beneath us now, especially after your divorce?