He Thought I Loved Him, I Only Loved His Face Chapter 05

He Thought I Loved Him, I Only Loved His Face Chapter 05

The private banquet room fell dead silent.

Nobody expected that answer.

Everyone in the circle knew Maya was Rowan’s shadow. After she married him, she practically waited on him hand and foot.

Now she stood in front of everyone and said the person she loved wasn’t even in the room. Wasn’t that a direct slap across Rowan’s face?

Rowan’s expression went rigid. He knocked back several drinks in a row, jaw tight.

He couldn’t stop thinking about what she’d said. Lost round after round the rest of the night.

His friends, eager to stir drama, demanded to see his photo album and pinned chats.

The results were predictable.

His album was full of Piper. Laughing. Silent. Turned away.

His only pinned chat was Piper.

Rowan was too distracted to even realize he was laying his obsession with Piper bare in front of everyone.

Piper’s cheeks flushed pink. She lowered her head and looked up at him through her lashes.

“Rowan… I never knew you felt that way about me…”

She trailed off like she was too shy to finish. Everyone tactfully let it drop.

As the night wound down, Piper spoke up.

“Rowan, my neighborhood’s been a little unsafe lately. Security’s patrolled for days and can’t find anything. Could you stay at my place for a while?”

The crowd egged them on.

Only Maya said nothing. She poked at a piece of fruit with her fork, expression mild.

Piper wanted to put on a show? Fine. She’d watch.

But Rowan, who never said no to Piper, refused.

“Piper, I have some things to take care of. I’ll come by later, okay?”

He sent Piper home in his car. Then he grabbed Maya’s wrist and pulled her into the vehicle.

Silence all the way home.

The atmosphere was freezing.

When they got inside, Rowan noticed the smell. Herbal. Medicinal.

Maya had been drinking herbal teas and supplements for weeks to stabilize the pregnancy.

He’d never paid attention before. So he’d never noticed.

Now his senses were suddenly razor-sharp.

He studied her. “What are you drinking? Three times a day. What is it?”

Maya’s heart jumped, but she kept her face steady.

“Just a tonic. I’ll be drinking it for a while. Why don’t you go stay at Piper’s?”

“That way you won’t have to smell it. And you can protect her like she asked.”

Rowan froze.

All these years, she’d never complained. She’d tolerated his devotion to Piper without a word.

But this was the first time she’d ever pushed him toward Piper.

He should feel relieved.

Instead, his chest felt heavy. Tight.

Then something seemed to click.

“You’re jealous.”

“That answer you gave tonight during the game—was it because I’ve been taking care of Piper and ignoring you?”

He exhaled like he’d solved a puzzle.

“I told you when we got married. I already had someone in my heart. I could give you the title of Mrs. Cross, but I could never give you love.”

“Besides, what happened before was your fault. Taking care of her was the right thing to do.”

“Stop pouting. That wooden carving in the study—you’ve always wanted it, right? It’s yours.”

Maya had been about to explain.

The carving made her stop.

Caleb carved it. Made it for Rowan’s birthday with his own hands.

She’d wanted it for years. Begged for it. Rowan always refused.

Today, he was offering it.

She nodded. Her voice came out gentle. “I understand. I won’t make a fuss anymore.”

Rowan’s lips curled with satisfaction.

Just as he thought.

Then Piper’s call came through again.

This time, he didn’t hesitate. He turned and walked out.