~AXEL~
The n’s trail hike through the woods felt like it was designed specifically for what Richard Vance called "bro-talk", a chance for the husbands to bond over shared experiences while their wives did whatever won did at natural springs.
The crunch of sticks and leaves filled the air as we walked along the winding path into the forest. Richard was up front, his usual energy on full display.
Every now and then, he’d turn around to share so trail mix and, without being asked, give us his take on "how to treat a lady" and tips on "keeping the spark alive."
"The key, gentlen," Richard said, stopping at a scenic overlook, "is to make her feel heard while still maintaining authority. You’re the captain of the ship, but she’s your first mate."
A few n nodded along. I kept my thoughts to myself, knowing Layla would have had so choice words about that particular analogy.
We kept hiking as the trail got steeper. That’s when Ronald made his move. He was dressed inappropriately for a hike in expensive loafers and designer jeans, but sohow managed to keep pace.
His polished smile and neatly styled look gave off a vibe of old money and entitlent, which was actually true
"Axel," he said, sidling up during a water break and clapping my shoulder like we were old friends in so exclusive club. "Mind if we chat for a minute?"
"Sure," I said neutrally, taking a swig from my water bottle.
"I’ve been aning to tell you, solid move snagging Layla so fast after that whole situation with her ex."
His tone was conversational, but his eyes glead with sothing sharper. "But between us guys, do you really love her, or was it just a smart business move? I an, the timing was... interesting."
I stopped walking, turning to face him fully. "Interesting how?"
"Co on." He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Word around town is you jumped in right after that Cassandra ss: the pregnancy drama, the public spectacle. Her ex marrying her sister while she was left at the altar? And then boom, forty-eight hours later she’s Mrs. O’Brien. That’s either true love or one hell of a rebound that worked in your favor."
The air felt heavy with his insinuation. He was basically implying that I had exploited Layla’s vulnerability, suggesting that our marriage was more about seizing an opportunity than about real love.
"That’s quite a theory you’ve got there, Ronald," I said coolly.
"Hey, no judgnt." He held up his hands in mock surrender. "I’m just saying, from a business perspective, it’s brilliant. Watson’s daughter, all that family drama creating distance from her father, and you swoop in to save the day. The optics alone probably gave your company’s stock a nice bump."
"You done?" I asked.
"I’m just making conversation, friend. We’re all n here. We understand how these things work." He leaned in closer. "Though I have to ask, is she worth the trouble? The baggage with the sister, the father who clearly favors the other daughter, all that emotional complexity. Sotis a clean slate is easier, you know?"
I stepped over a root in the path, putting distance between us. "Love’s not tid, Richard," I said deliberately, using the wrong na.
"Ronald," he corrected, his smile faltering.
"Right. Ronald." I t his eyes directly. "Here’s what I understand about ’how these things work’, unlike so people, I don’t need alibis for fidelity. I don’t need lawyers to hush up scandals. And I definitely don’t need to have conversations questioning other n’s marriages to feel better about my own."
His face went red. "What are you implying?"
"I’m not implying anything. I’m simply... making conversation... friend." I used the sa words he had used earlier, taking another drink of water, and letting the silence stretch. "That situation last year with your secretary? The one Victoria supposedly knows nothing about? The settlent you paid through your offshore account to keep it quiet?"
Ronald’s jaw dropped. "How did you..."
"I make it my business to know who I’m dealing with. So when you ask if I ’really love’ my wife, understand that I’m not the one whose marriage is built on lies and payoffs."
"That was a misunderstanding," he stamred, his confident deanor crumbling. "The woman was unstable, making false accusations..."
"Save it for soone who cares." I started walking again, my pace steady. "My marriage is none of your business. And if you value your own marriage staying intact, I suggest you stop spreading gossip about mine."
"I was just making conversation," he protested weakly.
"No, you were fishing for ammunition. Testing to see if there’s any truth to the rumors, probably hoping to find sothing to share with Victoria and her little gossip circle."
I glanced back at him. "But here’s the thing, Ronald, my wife and I? We’re solid. We’re building sothing real, sothing honest. Can you say the sa?"
He didn’t answer; his face was now pale instead of red. Behind us, a couple of the other n were watching with obvious interest, though pretending not to listen.
"Business synergies," Ronald muttered, trying to salvage the conversation. "That’s all I ant. Obviously, successful people like us understand strategic partnerships..."
"My marriage isn’t a strategic partnership," I cut him off. "It’s a commitnt. One I take seriously."
I walked ahead, leaving him to stew in his embarrassnt. Richard Vance caught up to , grinning.
"Well, that was entertaining," he said quietly. "Ronald’s been needling everyone all weekend. Nice to see soone finally shut him down."
"He crossed a line."
"Multiple lines, from what I heard. Don’t worry, that little revelation about his ’misunderstanding’ with his secretary will stay between us n." He winked. "Though I may have to ntion it to Ellen later. She loves a good piece of gossip."
"I’d prefer if it stayed quiet," I said. "I don’t want Victoria finding out that way. Whatever issues they have in their marriage, she deserves better than hearing about her husband’s infidelity through the grapevine."
"You’re a better man than most," Richard observed. "But I’ll keep it to myself for now. Can’t promise Ellen won’t find out eventually though... she has a sixth sense for these things."
The hike continued, but Ronald kept his distance after that.
A few other n struck up conversations with , genuine ones, about business, family, the challenges of balancing work and marriage. It was almost pleasant once Ronald’s toxic energy was removed from the mix.
By the ti we returned to the lodge, the sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
I checked my phone out of habit, no ssages from Tye, which was good. I’d told him not to contact unless it was an ergency. This retreat was about Layla and , about figuring out what we really were to each other.
Layla wasn’t back yet from the won’s swim area. I found myself getting anxious, wanting to see her, to tell her about my encounter with Ronald, to hear about her day.
Across the lodge courtyard, I spotted Ronald glaring at . His arms were crossed, and he kind of had sothing resembling a death glare.
I couldn’t help but smirk. Faithful? Damn right I was. And tonight, after the couples’ activities, I’d prove it to Layla in every way that mattered.
"Axel!" Richard Vance called out. "We’re setting up for the evening gas. Want to help?"
"Sure," I said, but my eyes kept drifting to the trail that led to the spring.
Co on, Layla. I can’t wait to hear about your day.
As if summoned by my thoughts, I heard voices and laughter approaching. The won were returning, their silhouettes visible through the trees. I straightened, scanning the group for Layla.
When I finally spotted her, my breath caught.
Her damp hair caught the golden light, and even from a distance, I could see the fire in her eyes. Sothing had happened. Sothing that had lit her up with determination and righteous anger.
God, she was beautiful when she was angry.
She spotted and her expression softened slightly, though the fire didn’t leave her eyes. As she walked toward , I could see Victoria trailing behind with her own sour expression.
"How was your swim?" I asked when Layla reached , pulling her close despite the other couples around us.
"Enlightening," she said with a tight smile. "Very enlightening. How was your hike?"
"Also enlightening." I glanced toward Ronald, who was still glaring. "I have a feeling we both have stories to share."
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