Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 34

"If I didn't like your wife, why would I even bother being friends with you?" Erik said casually.

"Seriously?"

I fell silent, but Declan exploded.

Declan shoved me aside and started brawling with Erik Williamson.

Caught off guard, I fell to the ground.

Erik, with years of gym training under his belt, easily overpowered Declan.

Watching Erik pummel Declan, I first dialed 911 for an ambulance and then stepped in to pull Erik back.

Declan lay on the ground, his face bruised and swollen, looking like he was questioning his entire existence.

The ambulance arrived quickly, and the paramedics loaded Declan onto a stretcher.

As I pressed on Erik's bruised face, he winced and whimpered.

"Darling, it hurts!"

I scoffed, "Serves you right for provoking Declan."

I then drove Erik to the hospital, following the ambulance.

Only after Erik's wounds were treated did I remember Declan.

When I reached Declan's hospital room, he was getting his injuries dressed. Erik, standing beside me, snorted at the sight of Declan's battered face.

"Pathetic. Can't even fight for your wife properly!"

The doctor dressing Declan's wounds looked like they had just stumbled upon some juicy gossip, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I tugged on Erik's sleeve, signaling with a look that he should tone it down.

Declan grimaced at Erik but didn't dare provoke him further, clearly afraid Erik might come at him again.

I spoke to the doctor about Declan's condition—it was all superficial injuries, and he could be discharged the next day.

Since Erik was the one who had hit him, I paid Declan's medical bills.

Under Declan's resentful gaze, I dragged Erik back home.

Once home, I recalled what Declan had said earlier.

I pushed Erik onto the sofa, lifting his chin with my hand.

"Come clean. Have you had feelings for me all along?"

Erik tilted his head back cooperatively, openly expressing his love.

"Yes, I like you."

"When did it start?"

"Remember that alley back in high school? The one where you got mugged? You were clutching your money so tightly even when they were about to hit you. I thought to myself, ‘Is she a little miser?'"

I vaguely remembered the incident, but in the end, my money had still been taken.

Erik chuckled.

"I wondered how such a cute little miser would look when she cried. Then I saw you bawling—tears and snot all mixed together. It was heartbreaking."

I smacked him lightly.

"And you didn't even help me back then?"

Erik laughed and tugged at my cheek.