Dead at Heart novel

Chapter 145 And then , Ariel noticed a familiar name below that - Nancy . Her gaze dimmed slightly . So they had their own private group chat . Nancy really was the center of their universe , the one everyone flocked around . All those years married to Jayson , she never knew that a spouse could be added to their friend group chat like that , openly acknowledged . Even if she no longer cared , learning about this now felt like some private humiliation had been dragged into the open - something they could all laugh at behind her back . She almost found it funny .

Perry wanted to say something , but then he saw a private message from Nancy . " Are you really dating someone ? Who is it ? " Perry pressed his lips together , not replying to her directly . Instead , he wrote a message in the group chat . " Don't jump to conclusions . " Meanwhile , after dinner , a few men gathered together , including wealthy heirs from family - run businesses . The private room was lively , filled with clinking glasses and laughter . Matt saw Perry's message in the group chat and laughed out loud . " This doesn't sit right . He didn't even explain anything !

" Jayson just sipped his drink silently , not joining in . Nancy seemed thoughtful . " Maybe it's not official yet . He doesn't want to say anything prematurely . " She looked down again at her private chat with Perry , wondering what he was doing . He didn't reply to her ; he only responded in the group chat . Matt shook his head . " It still doesn't add up . I just asked him to come have a drink , and he said he was tied up with family stuff . But don't we always hang out on this day every year ? " So was he really tied up , or did he just not want to come ? " Why don't you go find him ?

" Jayson finally spoke , slow and indifferent . Matt shrugged . " Not like I'm that bored. By the way ... " He looked around and checked the time . " It's almost midnight . Wanna bet when Ariel's gonna show up with hangover soup ? " There was a hint of mockery in his voice , along with some disdain . The same thing happened every year . He was used to it by now . Bringing soup was just an excuse to check up on Jayson . 1/2 Chapter 145 +25 BONUS Women and their little tricks - it was obvious . " Hangover soup ? " Nancy looked up , placing her phone on the table . Matt chuckled and leaned in .

" Back then , Jayson never brought Ariel to these events . She wasn't allowed to mix in . But she just wouldn't give up . " Every year she'd show up with hangover soup for everyone , pretending to be considerate , but really just trying to prove she was Mrs. Larkin . We all saw through it . We just couldn't be bothered to say anything . Honestly , she was just wasting her time . " He shuffled the cards and clicked his tongue . Nancy finally curled her lips into a smile . She could tell that Ariel's self - sacrificing gestures only made her more irritating to them .

If love could be won just through hard work , then it would be way too cheap . Men were much more realistic than women . They picked the woman who was prettier , more capable , and more likely to bring honor to their name . Unfortunately , Ariel had lost from the very beginning . All she had was a pretty face but no substance or skill . She was only ever fit to fuss over chores and domestic things . " Hey , Jayson . How come she hasn't shown up yet today ? Honestly , I've gotten used to that soup of hers , " Matt asked casually .

Jayson set down his glass and answered flatly , " She's not coming . " After sending Betty a holiday greeting , Ariel's phone rang . It was Betty calling . " Ari , are you with your grandma and uncle ? Jayson said you probably weren't coming back , so I figured I'd call and ask . Did you two get into a fight ? "