Ex-husband’s Regret

If it were a lemon she was eating, I could have barely believed the bacteria-killing claim.

However, I didn't say much and sat down to give those two some space to act.

Before I even got comfortable, Frank returned.

"That was quick. Have you finished a cigarette already?"

"I quit, you know that." Frank took my hand, seeking praise. "I didn't sneak any, you can smell me."

As he leaned closer, I raised my hand to block him and quietly asked, "What did you say to Zachary?" Frank replied, "I didn't say anything."

I was surprised. "Then why did you tell me to come back to my seat first?"

Frank answered matter-of-factly, "What if we hit turbulence? It's safer for you to sit down."

I was both amused and exasperated.

On the other side, Zachary sat down in his seat.

His position was diagonally in front of Jane, allowing him to see their interactions clearly.

A tight knot of frustration built up in his chest, making him restless.

He had already undone two buttons on his collar but still couldn't catch his breath.

Just as he was about to move, someone blocked his way.

"Zachary," Nina had asked a flight attendant for a medical kit. "Let me take care of your wound."

Zachary raised his hand to stop her. "No need."

Nina bit her lip. "Zachary, I care about you like family. I'll worry if you do this. What will I say to your godmother if she asks about you? They all know we need to keep in touch. And we were told to take care of each other."

No one understood the Collins family's attitude better than Zachary.

He did feel guilty towards Nina.

But their family prioritized calmness above all else.

They wouldn't give Nina special treatment just because of guilt.

His mother's suggestion to look out for each other was merely polite talk.

Even if she really liked Nina and treated her as a goddaughter, fundamentally, she didn't want any feelings between them beyond sibling affection.

He had never been interested in Nina anyway, or else...

Yet, there was still some sibling affection.

Seeing her eyes glistening with tears, he paused and finally let her tend to his wound.

1/2

I glanced one way and then the other.

I leaned toward Frank and whispered, "Is Zachary acting over there too?"

Frank teased me on purpose, "What if it's because he can't catch up with your friend and he regained his feelings for Nina?"

I stretched out my hand and pinched the soft flesh at Frank's waist.

Frank misinterpreted my meaning, laughing meaningfully. "In broad daylight, I should make my wife control herself first, right?"

For the latter part of the flight, there was almost no sound.

Only when the flight attendants came to serve meals was there some noise.

After finishing the meal, most people went to sleep.

I felt a bit tired as well and unknowingly fell asleep.

When I woke up again, the plane had already landed, and it was just me and Frank left.

"Did everyone get off?"

"Yeah."

Frank collected the blanket from me and pulled me up

We got off the plane together.

My mom and Jason were already seated with the child in the car Frank had arranged in advance.

Jane leaned against the handrail of the stairs, with Michael accompanying her.

Zachary stood by the car with one hand in his pocket, appearing casual, but his gaze was constantly on

Jane.

Nina stood next to him like a little wife.

It looked peaceful, but I could see the invisible tension in the air.

"Waiting for me?" I asked Jane as I got down.

Jane nodded. "I wanted to let you know that Michael and I plan to go somewhere first, so we won't be going to the hotel with you."

"Okay, I'll help you carry your luggage over."

Jane smiled at me. "Thanks, sweetheart. Just put it in the room Michael and I are sharing. We'll unpack

after we're done."

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