“I thought you said he was married.”

“He was,” Colleen said with a nod. “But that’s in the past now. He’s divorced.”

Hadley paused, taken aback by the news. “Why?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Although she hadn’t known Zane well, Hadley had always formed a positive opinion of him. He came from a distinguished family, had a solid education, and was genuinely kind. He never put on airs, always ready to help when Colleen asked. His commitment to family was evident. People like him were supposed to have charmed, successful lives. How could his marriage have faltered?

“Unfortunately,” Colleen sighed, twirling her water glass and pressing her lips together. “It’s because his ex-wife cheated on him.”

Hadley was taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated that explanation.

“Hmm,” Colleen scoffed, rolling her eyes. “I’m not saying this because he’s family, but come on! Zane is flawless. He comes from a great family, has an impressive education, a successful career, and a wonderful personality.”

She frowned. “He always accommodated his ex-wife, fulfilling her every request. But she was still discontent. Some people are just insatiable.”

Hadley listened intently, a quiet sigh escaping her lips.

“Even during the divorce, Zane tried to look out for her,” Colleen said, her voice tinged with indignation. “Despite her being in the wrong, he gave her the house and money. He walked away with nothing and didn’t contest custody, saying he didn’t want to make things harder for her.”

She scoffed. “Difficult for her? After the divorce, she immediately left the country with her lover—and my cousin’s money!” The rightful source is f?ndnovel.net

Colleen sighed again. “Good men like my cousin are rare these days.”

Curious, Hadley asked, “Do they have a daughter?”

“Yes,” Colleen nodded. “She’s a few years older than Joy. After the divorce, she moved abroad with her mother.”

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She added, “And now Zane’s all alone, living like a recluse. It’s been two years, and all he does is work. He hasn’t even thought about dating again.”

Before Colleen could continue, Zane finished his phone call and returned.

Colleen and Hadley exchanged a glance and quickly changed the subject, as if on cue.

“Your shawl is absolutely beautiful,” Colleen said.

“Thank you! I made it myself. I could knit one for you as well.”

“Seriously? That would be fantastic! I won’t hesitate, then.”

“Why would you hold back with me?” Hadley teased, gently pinching Colleen’s cheek.

Colleen, of all people, was the last person who should feel the need to hold back with her. If Colleen needed anything, Hadley would do it without a second thought—especially something as simple as knitting a shawl. “What color are you thinking? Tomorrow, I’ll pick up the yarn. Hmm… maybe green?”

“Green!”

They both said the color simultaneously and then burst into laughter.

Colleen smiled. “You really understand me.”

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