Chapter 281 Just Ex-husband
Susanna was surprised by Aaron's question. "Why are you asking this?"
Aaron looked puzzled. "You said we don't know each other well, right? I'm just trying to dig into your past.."
Susanna was taken aback. When did she ever say that? Maybe it was before the divorce, but now, it didn't matter to her.
Jack chimed in eagerly, "Mr. Abbott, I was her high school classmate. Susanna had great grades, and the teachers loved her."
Susanna interjected, "That was only because my family was poor, and the teachers took extra care of me."
"Susanna, don't say that. Don't let Lucy's comments from the last reunion get to you. She's just materialistic. Remember how she was always jealous of your grades, charm, and how the teachers liked you? That's why she badmouthed you."
Aaron's face turned cold. "Someone bullied her at the reunion?"
Jack explained, "Yes, Mr. Abbott. Lucy was always against Susanna out of jealousy. But Susanna's family has dealt with it. Lucy's family's company is struggling, and her dad's been arrested for economic crimes."
Susanna was surprised by how quickly things had escalated. Brian hadn't mentioned any of this to her.
Aaron's expression darkened. He realized Susanna's family usually handled these things, making his involvement unnecessary, which frustrated him.
The meal ended on a surprisingly good note, thanks to Jack's constant chatter.
When Susanna wiped her mouth, Jack pulled out his phone. "Mr. Abbott, Susanna, can we take a selfie? It's fate that we met."
Susanna was surprised. "A picture? Is that necessary?"
Jack insisted, "After the last reunion, everyone wanted to see you again. Let's take a photo so they can envy you and your husband."
"Correction, he's my ex-husband," Susanna said firmly. She noticed Aaron's expression change, but the truth was the truth.
"Susanna, even though you're divorced, we're still friends." Jack glanced at Aaron, who showed no displeasure. "Mr. Abbott, what do you think?"
Aaron's lips parted slightly. "I don't mind."
Susanna nodded. "Since he doesn't mind, I don't either."
"Great, I'll stand in the front!"
Jack quickly took a selfie with Susanna and Aaron standing close behind him.
After the photo, Susanna warned Jack, "Aaron doesn't like his privacy exposed."
"Don't worry, I won't spread it around. It's just for our classmates," Jack promised.
Aaron raised an eyebrow. "I heard you're looking for projects at school. If you need funding, contact my assistant." He handed over a business card with Tyler's contact info.
Jack accepted the card, astonished. 'A card from the president of the Abbott Group! If I secure Aaron's investment, my future's set! This meal was totally worth it,' he thought excitedly.
Seeing Jack's eager expression, Susanna couldn't stand it and left for the restroom.
When she returned, only Aaron was there. "Where's Jack?" she asked.
"He had something to do and left," Aaron replied, looking at her intently. "I need to talk to you."
Susanna took a deep breath. "What do you want to say?"
"Yesterday, you said it was always you who liked me, that it was one-sided, and that I never liked you..."
Susanna's eyes widened, and she cut him off, "Enough, don't bring this up again."
Aaron's lips tightened. "That's not what I meant."
"Aaron, do you think I haven't been humiliated enough? Yes, I liked you and thought marrying you was a good idea. But we're divorced now. Why bring this up? Don't I deserve some dignity?"
Her eyes reddened. "Out of consideration for my past feelings for you, can you please not bring it up?"
She left the room in embarrassment.
As she hurried out of the restaurant, Aaron followed closely. "Susanna, why the rush?" he called out.
She quickened her pace, but Aaron caught her wrist. "Susanna, have you forgotten you're pregnant?"
Susanna calmed down. "I know, let go."
Aaron said nothing, holding her hand as they walked. The narrow alley was crowded, but people made way for them, sensing his imposing presence.
Susanna followed with her head down, trying to pull her hand back, but Aaron held it firmly. His palm was dry and strong, guiding her forward.
She glanced at their entwined hands, emotions swirling. Was Aaron's sudden kindness genuine? Or was he worried now that she was the Jones family heir?
They finally left the alley and reached the open road. The cool breeze brought Susanna back to her senses, and she tried to pull her hand away. But Aaron held on, refusing to let go.
Their eyes met, and Aaron's throat moved slightly. "Susanna, can't you sense it?" he murmured.
Her eyes flickered with uncertainty. How could she not notice the change in him?
The intensity of his gaze and the strength of his grip were things she had once dreamed of. But now, she met his gaze with clarity. "Aaron, do you have feelings for me?"
