Page 175 of Forgotten Prejudice

“I assumed you’d deny it. Thankfully, I’ve got evidence.”

“What are you talking about?” Ashton barged in, his face pale.

“About your ex acting like a thug, thinking he’d get away with it.” He then turned his eyes to me. “What’s the matter, Soren? Did you think you were the only one who could hire a private investigator?”

The scum.

Just then, the waiters arrived at our table with several plates of food. The whole time they placed the dishes between us, Kai’s eyes never left mine. He followed me like a hawk, but little did he know that I wasn’t scared of him.

“Soren, is Kai telling the truth?” Ashton asked once the waiters left us alone.

“It doesn’t matter, darling.”

“Oh, but it does.” Kai smiled. “Because it proves to Ash what a lunatic you are.”

I gritted my teeth together, my blood boiling with rage. Somehow, this jackass had managed to make a fool out of me.

“I don’t understand what’s going on,” Ashton said while moving his gaze between us.

“So let me explain it to you.” Kai smiled again, and I knew this was about to be one nasty conversation.

Ash

Kai’s arm felt too heavy around my shoulder, and I wanted to push him off, but I didn’t, as I was too focused on what he was telling me.

“This guy had us stalked, did you know that? Because I didn’t.” He then moved on to say things about private investigators and whatnot while my eyes were focused on Soren. He… he had eyes on me for years? Even before this whole trial had started? But why? Why would he ignore me at the same time he was paying someone to watch me?

My skin turned ice-cold as shivers ran down my spine. I felt sick to my stomach, with this awful lump stuck in my throat. I wanted to have a nice dinner, and instead, all I’d gotten was more lies that brought up more questions in my already exhausted brain. I’d had enough of this crap, and so, clenching my hands into fists, I shook my head.

“Enough!” I snapped, slamming my hand on the table until both men stopped arguing and turned to me.

“Ashy—”

“No.” I removed Kai’s arm from around my shoulder. “I don’t want to hear anything about this. I don’t care.”

“But—”

“I. Don’t. Care,” I repeated. Unable to bear looking at either of them, I focused on the food. Picking up the first dish that caught my eye, I began loading my plate with ravioli. I just wanted this to stop, but as I took the first bite and the food tasted bitter and cold, I realized how naive my wish was. How could I expect them to stop while I kept on pushing them? As long as I continued misleading both men, I’d never have peace. We had been so involved with one another for years, and all the garbage we’d hidden was finally coming out in a blast.

The tension around the table rose and became so thick you could nearly smell it, and it stank. It reeked of resentment, lies, and jealousy. And while they both had tons of shit they had hidden away from me for years, I was the one lying, and my lie smelled like a rotten fish.

“I know you guys hate each other because of me, but maybe if we could just communicate, we’d be able to…” To do what? I had no idea where I was going with this. Disappointed with myself, I huffed. “I don’t know.”

“No, you’re right,” Kai suddenly said, surprising me. “We should stop acting like children. Don’t you agree, Soren?” He turned to face him, and so did I. Soren slowly looked up from his plate, his bright eyes too tired to keep up.

“Of course.”

“See, Ashy? I can be mature when I want to. Just wait and see what an awesome dad I’ll be.”

My jaw dropped, and I quickly turned to meet Soren’s stunned face. I swear to God, his face just paled in front of me as he looked at me with pure hurt in his eyes.

“What?” Soren asked after snapping out of his shock.

“Ashy didn’t tell you?”

“Shut up, Kai.”

“Why? We’re going to be parents. Isn’t it great news to share?”