CHAPTER 127: ENLIGHTENING EXPERIENCE

~AXEL~

The men’s trail hike through the woods felt like it was designed specifically for what Richard Vance called "bro-talk", a chance for the husbands to bond over shared experiences while their wives did whatever women did at natural springs.

The crunch of sticks and leaves filled the air as we walked along the winding path into the forest. Richard was up front, his usual energy on full display.

Every now and then, he’d turn around to share some trail mix and, without being asked, give us his take on "how to treat a lady" and tips on "keeping the spark alive."

"The key, gentlemen," Richard said, stopping at a scenic overlook, "is to make her feel heard while still maintaining authority. You’re the captain of the ship, but she’s your first mate."

A few men nodded along. I kept my thoughts to myself, knowing Layla would have had some choice words about that particular analogy.

We kept hiking as the trail got steeper. That’s when Ronald made his move. He was dressed inappropriately for a hike in expensive loafers and designer jeans, but somehow managed to keep pace.

His polished smile and neatly styled look gave off a vibe of old money and entitlement, which was actually true

"Axel," he said, sidling up during a water break and clapping my shoulder like we were old friends in some exclusive club. "Mind if we chat for a minute?"

"Sure," I said neutrally, taking a swig from my water bottle.

"I’ve been meaning to tell you, solid move snagging Layla so fast after that whole situation with her ex."

His tone was conversational, but his eyes gleamed with something sharper. "But between us guys, do you really love her, or was it just a smart business move? I mean, the timing was... interesting."

I stopped walking, turning to face him fully. "Interesting how?"

"Come on." He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Word around town is you jumped in right after that Cassandra mess: the pregnancy drama, the public spectacle. Her ex marrying her sister while she was left at the altar? And then boom, forty-eight hours later she’s Mrs. O’Brien. That’s either true love or one hell of a rebound that worked in your favor."

The air felt heavy with his insinuation. He was basically implying that I had exploited Layla’s vulnerability, suggesting that our marriage was more about seizing an opportunity than about real love.

"That’s quite a theory you’ve got there, Ronald," I said coolly.

"Hey, no judgment." He held up his hands in mock surrender. "I’m just saying, from a business perspective, it’s brilliant. Watson’s daughter, all that family drama creating distance from her father, and you swoop in to save the day. The optics alone probably gave your company’s stock a nice bump."

"You done?" I asked.

"I’m just making conversation, friend. We’re all men here. We understand how these things work." He leaned in closer. "Though I have to ask, is she worth the trouble? The baggage with the sister, the father who clearly favors the other daughter, all that emotional complexity. Sometimes a clean slate is easier, you know?"

I stepped over a root in the path, putting distance between us. "Love’s not timed, Richard," I said deliberately, using the wrong name.

"Ronald," he corrected, his smile faltering.

"Right. Ronald." I met his eyes directly. "Here’s what I understand about ’how these things work’, unlike some people, I don’t need alibis for fidelity. I don’t need lawyers to hush up scandals. And I definitely don’t need to have conversations questioning other men’s marriages to feel better about my own."

His face went red. "What are you implying?"

"I’m not implying anything. I’m simply... making conversation... friend." I used the same words he had used earlier, taking another drink of water, and letting the silence stretch. "That situation last year with your secretary? The one Victoria supposedly knows nothing about? The settlement you paid through your offshore account to keep it quiet?"

Ronald’s jaw dropped. "How did you..."

"I make it my business to know who I’m dealing with. So when you ask if I ’really love’ my wife, understand that I’m not the one whose marriage is built on lies and payoffs."

"That was a misunderstanding," he stammered, his confident demeanor crumbling. "The woman was unstable, making false accusations..."

"Save it for someone who cares." I started walking again, my pace steady. "My marriage is none of your business. And if you value your own marriage staying intact, I suggest you stop spreading gossip about mine."

"I was just making conversation," he protested weakly.

"No, you were fishing for ammunition. Testing to see if there’s any truth to the rumors, probably hoping to find something to share with Victoria and her little gossip circle."

I glanced back at him. "But here’s the thing, Ronald, my wife and I? We’re solid. We’re building something real, something honest. Can you say the same?"

He didn’t answer; his face was now pale instead of red. Behind us, a couple of the other men were watching with obvious interest, though pretending not to listen.

"Business synergies," Ronald muttered, trying to salvage the conversation. "That’s all I meant. Obviously, successful people like us understand strategic partnerships..."

"My marriage isn’t a strategic partnership," I cut him off. "It’s a commitment. One I take seriously."

I walked ahead, leaving him to stew in his embarrassment. Richard Vance caught up to me, grinning.

"Well, that was entertaining," he said quietly. "Ronald’s been needling everyone all weekend. Nice to see someone finally shut him down."

"He crossed a line."

"Multiple lines, from what I heard. Don’t worry, that little revelation about his ’misunderstanding’ with his secretary will stay between us men." He winked. "Though I may have to mention it to Ellen later. She loves a good piece of gossip."

"I’d prefer if it stayed quiet," I said. "I don’t want Victoria finding out that way. Whatever issues they have in their marriage, she deserves better than hearing about her husband’s infidelity through the grapevine."

"You’re a better man than most," Richard observed. "But I’ll keep it to myself for now. Can’t promise Ellen won’t find out eventually though... she has a sixth sense for these things."

The hike continued, but Ronald kept his distance after that.

A few other men struck up conversations with me, genuine ones, about business, family, the challenges of balancing work and marriage. It was almost pleasant once Ronald’s toxic energy was removed from the mix.

By the time we returned to the lodge, the sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

I checked my phone out of habit, no messages from Tye, which was good. I’d told him not to contact me unless it was an emergency. This retreat was about Layla and me, about figuring out what we really were to each other.

Layla wasn’t back yet from the women’s swim area. I found myself getting anxious, wanting to see her, to tell her about my encounter with Ronald, to hear about her day.

Across the lodge courtyard, I spotted Ronald glaring at me. His arms were crossed, and he kind of had something resembling a death glare.

I couldn’t help but smirk. Faithful? Damn right I was. And tonight, after the couples’ activities, I’d prove it to Layla in every way that mattered.

"Axel!" Richard Vance called out. "We’re setting up for the evening games. Want to help?"

"Sure," I said, but my eyes kept drifting to the trail that led to the spring.

Come on, Layla. I can’t wait to hear about your day.

As if summoned by my thoughts, I heard voices and laughter approaching. The women were returning, their silhouettes visible through the trees. I straightened, scanning the group for Layla.

When I finally spotted her, my breath caught.

Her damp hair caught the golden light, and even from a distance, I could see the fire in her eyes. Something had happened. Something that had lit her up with determination and righteous anger.

God, she was beautiful when she was angry.

She spotted me and her expression softened slightly, though the fire didn’t leave her eyes. As she walked toward me, I could see Victoria trailing behind with her own sour expression.

"How was your swim?" I asked when Layla reached me, pulling her close despite the other couples around us.

"Enlightening," she said with a tight smile. "Very enlightening. How was your hike?"

"Also enlightening." I glanced toward Ronald, who was still glaring. "I have a feeling we both have stories to share."