Chapter 10
She didn’t use “good” or “bad” to describe but chose the word “mediocre“, fitting bim into the bland category alongside everyone else,
Elizabeth sensed Pranklin’s growing irritation, but just as it seemed it might erupt, a laugh from the doorway interrupted them. They turned to find a Samoyed dog, tongue lolling out, and its owner, Sharon, the end of the leash, trying to stifle her giggles after overhearing their exchange,
“Who’s there?” Franklin’s voice boomed, hi an ance clear.
The door had been left unlocked in their baste, and Sharon had taken the opportunity to eavesdrop. She peeked in, her eyes darting around before offering an apologetic grin to Franklin, “Sorry, Franks, just wanted to make sure you guys weren’t fighting”
“Get out,” Franklin growled, turning away, dearly uncomfortable. “I’ve told you, no dogs inside.”
With his back to the door, he didn’t see Sharon already walking in with the dog, Grinning broadly, Sharon asked, “You guy were having a fight?”
“None of your business…” Franklin said as he turned back, suddenly noticing Sharon with the dog standing nearby.
Franklin, caught off guard by the dog’s presence, instinctively moved behind Elizabeth, clutching her wrist as if seeking protection.
Elizabeth, well aware of his dislikes, rolled her eyes at his sudden vulnerability, Franklin was all proud and mighty just now. The next second, there he was seeking refuge behind her just because of a dog.
Elizabeth tried to pull her hand away, but franklin wouldn’t let go no matter what. She had no choice but to deal with Sharon first. “Take the dog out,” Elizabeth said to Sharon, her voice firm. “Your brother can’t handle the fur”
Sharon nodded in understanding, “Oh, so there’s no fight? You’re still looking out for my stupid brother.”
Her words hit a nerve with Elizabeth, who quickly changed the subject. “Just leave, okay?”
“No way.” Sharon pouted, her eyes on the dimly lit room where pet hair was becoming visible in the air. “I missed your breakfast, and I’m starving” Sharon clutched her rumbling stomach, refusing to budge. Her dog lounged lazily on the floor
Franklin was already starting to feel the effects, his grip on Elizabeth’s wrist
(三
Blindfold Oftove
tightening as he stifled a cough.
“Til make it for you tomorrow, just go.” Elizabeth promised, trying to ease the struation
Sharon’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Really
“Have I ever lied to you?” Elizabeth replies
“Betty, you’re so sweet?” Sharon chirped, planting a kiss on Elizabeth’s cheek before skipping out with her dog and closing the door behind her.
Invisible flutt from the dog’s fur floated in the air.
With Sharon and the dog gone. Franklin’s discomfort was palpable. He tugged at his sleeve to cover his nose and mouth, his breathing labored as he pulled Elizabeth closer. “Let’s talk outside.”
“Talk? I shouldn’t have helped him. Elizabeth thought.
“What’s there to talk about?” Elizabeth challenged, lifting her wrist to show the red mark left by Franklin’s grip, even though he couldn’t see clearly. “Do you want me to be harsher with my words?” she said.
Franklin’s grip didn’t loosen, his expression shifting from surprise to resignation. It was clear he thought Elizabeth was being unreasonable.
Knowing that it was useless to reason with Elizabeth, he asked, his voice a mix of threat and concern. “Where would you go if you divorced me?”
“Oh, Franklin, are you going to take care of your ex–wife?”
‘She’s so sharp–tongued, Franklin thought.
That was how some people described Elizabeth before their marriage.
He didn’t believe it at first, but that day, he finally understood. “Ex–wife? I threw away those useless papers. How would I end up with an ex?”
Elizabeth’s expression turned icy, revealing profound disappointment. Ignoring his grip on her hand, she said in a hoarse voice, “So you never signed those papers?”
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