Chapter 238 She was a widow.
Mia’s POV
“Mia, isn’t it?” Victoria turned to me with that same cold smile. “I don’t believe Thomas has mentioned you before.”
The implication was clear.
Thomas said quickly, “Mia is my girlfriend. I believe I’ve mentioned her many times.”
The word ‘girlfriend‘ hung in the air between us.
and I saw something flicker across Victoria’s perfectly made–up face.
“Your girlfriend,” she repeated slowly, as if testing the word. “How lovely, I’m sure you two are very…happy together.”
And the pause before ‘happy‘ was deliberate.
“We are.” I said firmly, slipping my arm through Thomas’s. “Very happy.”
Madison tugged on Thomas’s other hand. “Uncle Thomas, will you dance with me? Pleeeease?”
“I’d love to,
sweetheart,” Thomas said, glancing at me apologetically. “Just for a few minutes?”
What could I say? No, don’t dance with the adorable little girl who clearly adores you? I wasn’t that petty, , even if her mother made my skin crawl.
“Of course,” I said, forcing another smile. “I’ll just check on the boys.”
As Thomas led Madison toward the dance floor, Victoria moved to stand beside me, watching them with obvious satisfaction.
“He’s wonderful with children,” she said conversationally. “Madison absolutely adores him.”
“He’s great with kids,” I agreed, not trusting myself to say more.
“Of course, Madison’s father adored Thomas too. They were such close friends, practically brothers.” She paused, her voice taking on a wistful quality. “Theo used to say Thomas would make the perfect father someday.
The mention of Madison’s father, and the past tense.
She was a widow.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I said genuinely.
“Thank you,” she replied, though her tone remained cool. “Theo passed two years ago. Cancer.”
That was around the time Thomas and I had gotten serious, I realized. Why hadn’t he told me? “Thomas was so helpful during… everything.” Victoria continued. “I don’t know what Madison and I would
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Chapter 238 She was a widow
have done without him. He’s been like a father to her since Theo died.”
+25 BONUS
“He never mentioned…” I began, then stopped myself. I told myself that this woman might not be telling the truth. But I still couldn’t help feeling upset.
“Oh, he’s probably just being discrete,” Victoria said with false sympathy. “Thomas is always so considerate about these things. Though I am surprised he hasn’t told you about Madison. She talks about Uncle Thomas constantly.”
I watched as Thomas spun Madison around the dance floor, both of them laughing. She gazed up at him with obvious adoration, and he looked down at her with genuine affection.
“They have such a special bond,” Victoria continued, her voice soft with what sounded like genuine emotion. Madison lost her father so young. Thomas has been trying to fill that vold.”
“Madison, darling, it’s time to say goodbye,” Victoria called as the song ended.
Madison’s face fell dramatically. “Do we have to, Mommy? I want to dance more with Uncle Thomas!”
“It’s getting late, sweetheart,” Victoria said firmly, but not unkindly. “And Uncle Thomas needs to spend time with his… girlfriend.”
The little girl’s face immediately dropped.
Madison threw her arms around Thomas’s legs one more time. “Will I see you soon,
Uncle Thomas?‘
“Of course, sweetheart,” Thomas promised, ruffling her hair. “I’ll call your mom and we’ll set up a playdate
SOON.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Victoria stepped forward, placing a possessive hand on Thomas’s arm. “Thank you again for tonight. For the dance, for everything.” She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, her lips lingering longer than necessary. “You’re wonderful, as always.”
I watched the entire exchange feeling like an outsider.
After they left, Thomas returned to my de, his expression sheepish.
“Sorry about that,” he said. “I should have warned you that Victoria might be here tonight.”
“Should you have?” I asked, surprised by how level my voice sounded. “I mean, you don’t have to tell me about everyone you know.”
“Victoria isn’t just someone I know,” Thomas said carefully. “She’s… it’s complicated.”
“Complicated how?”
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