Rebirth: We Split Ways.. novel Chapter 61

"Warren didn't mean any harm; he misunderstood you. Don't hold it against him,"

The disappointment surged within him as Dominic hastened to catch up with Penelope, gripping her arm firmly.

Penelope forcefully pulled away, her eyes narrowing. "Mr. Archer, it's easy for you to say. What right do you have to ask me to let it go?"

Glancing around at the unfriendly faces of Adam and Megan, Dominic sighed, "Can't you be more understanding? Let's talk things out like friends."

With an indifferent smile, Penelope's eyes held a hint of apathy.

"I have no ex-husband who's a friend. Only a deceased past."

Even though he had faced such rejection before, Dominic struggled to maintain his composure. With a cold tone, he asserted, "The apology statement will go out first thing tomorrow morning. I'll ensure the trending topic is taken down afterward."

"You being here, feigning concern—wasn't your silence that allowed them to treat me this way?"

"Me?"

Dominic frowned, clearly taken aback.

Penelope's expression bore a profound disappointment, and his sharp gaze pierced Dominic. "It's because of your consistent aloofness that they see me as expendable, someone they can easily trample upon. So, who exactly are you pretending to be now?"

"Compared to Melissa and Danna's blatant disrespect and Warren's blatant slander, your hypocrisy is the worst," she added.

Dominic felt a pang of regret.

He had never defended Penelope against his family's criticisms, thinking their marriage was smooth sailing.

He never laid a hand on her, and as a result, they never had children. Despite Melissa frequently bringing up the topic, he remained silent, never speaking up for Penelope.

Those brothers continually criticized Penelope, pointing out flaws here and there, but he never defended her. As time passed, this only made them hold an even lower opinion of Penelope.

He was feeling ashamed.

Dominic had no words as Penelope turned away. "Even without your help, I have ways to make Warren apologize," she declared, walking away.

Completely disregarding Dominic as he walked away, Penelope embraced Megan and said, "What song would you like to hear today? I'm ready to sing."

Adam inquired with concern, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, couldn't be better."

"If you're truly upset, we can go," Adam said, her demeanor usually reserved, seldom revealing such care.

"He's not worth my tears," Penelope said, shaking her head firmly.

"How could my darling be upset about this? Tonight should be even more exhilarating for her," Megan exclaimed, guiding them into the bustling crowd.

He confidently stepped out of the car, walked to the passenger side, and gestured with a playful 'please,' wearing a self-assured grin. "Goddess, the seat awaits you."

Penelope didn't refuse this time and sat up.

Arriving at a restaurant named 'Believe,' she observed the romantic setup, feeling indifferent.

He eagerly moved forward to arrange a seat for Penelope and then glanced at the violinist who had been patiently waiting.

The musician promptly approached and began playing "A Tribute to Love" while the manager stepped forward, presenting her with a bouquet of crystal roses.

It was evident that Andrew was deeply attentive.

Penelope cast a fleeting glance at the roses, his voice steady and composed. "Let's place them on the table," he remarked.

"Aren't you impressed? Don't girls love this?" Andrew asked, eyes twinkling.

Penelope furrowed his brow; his indifference was palpable. "Look around," he remarked coolly, "Everyone seated here is paired up. Your demeanor resembles a proposal. Can you deduce whether I approve or disapprove?"

"Isn't this level of earnestness sufficient for a first date? Don't most girls appreciate such gestures?" Andrew's eyes sparkled with delight.

Penelope rolled his eyes dismissively. "Those who derive pleasure from such actions will only feel fulfilled when they engage. For those who don't appreciate it, they merely become an encumbrance," he remarked.