His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 857

Acknowledge him. The words gently plucked at Jonathan’s heartstrings. “You think I don’t want to?” But he knew that acknowledging Marlin was the last thing Niamh wanted. “If Niamh never wants me to know Marlin is my son, then I’ll pretend I don’t know for the rest of my life.” Hearing this, Elmer saw the profound affection Jonathan held for Niamh reflected in his eyes.

“So when you first married Nia, you didn’t like her at all?” Elmer’s question was met with silence from Jonathan. At that time, he didn't think he could ever love anyone other than Rina. “Was it because you didn’t like her that you forced her to abort her first child?” Elmer pressed, but again, only silence answered him. “If there’s some misunderstanding between you two, you should clear it up sooner rather than later.”

It was a well-intentioned piece of advice. In his view, Jonathan and Niamh were quite similar. They both tended to hide their feelings, bottling up their pain and refusing to speak of it. Elmer wasn’t one to dredge up old wounds, but he felt that if certain things weren’t said, people would never know—especially the people who mattered most. “It’s not really a misunderstanding… I just don’t want Niamh to think I’m making excuses for the mistakes I made.” Seeing the serious look on Jonathan’s face, Elmer didn’t push any further. “Fine, have it your way.”

They finished their ice cream, their conversation winding down, and left the mall together. “Do you think… Niamh and Lana are still shopping?” Elmer asked. “When those two hit the stores, they can go for a whole day.” “Well, how about we find a place to play a game?” Elmer could tell Jonathan was looking for a way to thank him for telling him about Marlin. “What did you have in mind?” “Tennis, squash, pool, golf? You pick.” “Let’s play squash, then.”

“Sounds good,” Jonathan said, a confident tone in his voice that suggested he was skilled at the game. “Loser buys dinner.” Elmer smirked. “You think I’m scared of you?” And just like that, their shopping trip over, Jonathan and Elmer headed off to the squash club, looking for all the world like old friends.

Meanwhile, Niamh and Lana were on a shopping spree at the XAD Mall, buying everything from clothes and accessories to little trinkets like keychains. They had chosen XAD over all the other malls because it was celebrating its anniversary week. Not only were the luxury brands heavily discounted, but there were also numerous raffles and prize giveaways. When they arrived, a clown was already at the entrance, handing out balloons to lucky winners. In the sweltering heat, the heavy clown mask, wig, and thick work boots looked incredibly hot.

Thanks to the major promotions, the mall was packed. Niamh and Lana navigated the sea of people, shopping until evening and still feeling like they weren't done. “The win rate today is really high,” Lana said, craning her neck to look at the prize-winning card in Niamh’s hand. “It’s just a balloon. I bet everyone who spends money gets one,” Niamh said with a wry smile. She had spent a small fortune today; the mall losing one balloon was nothing. No matter how you looked at it, the mall came out on top.

Laughing and talking, the two of them walked outside into the darkness.