Chapter 169: Separate Bedrooms

Maurice was nowhere near finished. "The first one practically destroyed you. After the second, you became unbearable. By the third, I seriously considered changing my phone number. So, since you have both made it clear that this marriage has an expiration date, we will be weaning you off each other."

Dorian calmly pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the immediate protest from his bruised ribs. "I do remember that I have a house, Dad."

Maurice didn’t look remotely concerned. "And someone will be with you both at all times."

"It’s my house. I can kick anyone out."

Maurice’s mouth twitched. "Including your mother?"

"See, that’s how I know you are bluffing. You cannot be without Mum."

"You want to call my bluff, then?" Maurice asked.

Dorian actually considered it. He really did.

But calling Maurice Heathcliffe’s bluff was the kind of decision that sounded satisfying right up until the man committed himself to proving a point with terrifying patience and resources.

And Maurice absolutely would.

Dorian knew his father well enough to understand that if he said Eleanor would move into the townhouse to supervise them, the man would personally pack her bags, send her over and survive the separation purely out of spite.

Everyone in the room watched the two men silently.

Father and son. Same stubborn expression. The tension stretched until Naomi could practically hear it humming.

"You know what? It’s fine," she blurted. "I’ll just go to the townhouse."

Both men turned toward her. "You will stay!" they boomed at the exact same time.

Naomi slowly looked between Dorian and Maurice.

Well.

Despite disagreeing about absolutely everything else, father and son had found common ground on ordering her around.

Dorian turned back toward Maurice, then glanced around at the rest of the family.

Everyone looked far too innocent.

His eyes finally landed on Lexie.

She was sitting there with an expression so blank it practically confirmed everything.

"This was your idea, right?"

Lexie merely shrugged.

He looked around the room again. "That’s what you all were discussing before we came in."

Nobody answered.

Naomi’s nerves had officially reached their limit. "I’m just going to go help Eleanor." She turned immediately and escaped toward the kitchen before anyone could drag her into another argument about sleeping arrangements.

"You want to keep me away from her."

"It’s for both of your good."

Dorian let out a low chuckle. "I don’t believe this."

This entire family had lost its collective mind. All because they believed he and Naomi needed to prepare for divorce.

"Fine," he said. "Fine. You win." Dorian spread his hands slightly. "Bring it on."

"Well, now that everyone is happy, shall we eat?"

One by one, the family started moving toward the dining area, clearly satisfied that the matter had been settled.

Dorian remained where he was for a moment.

Then he walked over to Lexie.

She looked up at him innocently.

"To think you’re supposed to be the levelheaded one in the family." Dorian leaned slightly closer. "What exactly are you trying to prove?"

"If you’re going to divorce her anyway, better start learning what it will feel like."

"You... you want to teach me a lesson," Dorian said.

Lexie gave him a calm look. "Let’s see if you can learn."

"You know nothing, dear sis. I’m not the one who needs a lesson."

With that, he walked toward the dining table.

What exactly was that supposed to mean?

Her eyes narrowed. She was sticking to the plan.

Dorian was trying to confuse her, and she refused to fall for it.

Soon after, the women returned with dinner.

The staff helped place the dishes on the table while Eleanor, Ginny and Naomi busied themselves plating the men’s meals.

Dinner passed with surprisingly little drama. Once everyone had finished eating, Lexie and Daniel began gathering their things.

"We have to pick up the boys from the neighbours," Daniel explained. "I’ll bring them by tomorrow," he promised Eleanor.

Oliver left shortly after, and gradually the house began settling into that strange almost-quiet that came before bedtime.

There were still footsteps in the hallway, low voices from the staff. But the chaos of the day had finally started fading.

Naomi made sure Dorian took his medication.

By the time everyone started heading in, he was tired enough to admit his body had probably earned the rest.

Naomi was sitting beside him when Ginny appeared.

"Come on," Ginny said to her.

Naomi looked up. "Where?"

"My room."

Dorian immediately frowned. "Why?"

"Because she’s sleeping with me."

"Dorian, it’s fine," Naomi said. "I don’t mind staying with Ginny."

His brows pulled together. "There are guest rooms in this house, are there not?"

Ginny laughed. "So you can sneak in there when everyone is asleep?"

"Et tu, Ginny?"

Ginny stuck out her tongue.

Betrayal lived everywhere now.

Naomi laughed softly and got up from beside him. She had barely taken a step when Dorian caught her hand.

His fingers wrapped around hers, thumb brushed lightly over Naomi’s knuckles.

Eleanor had been quietly watching the entire interaction.

"Dorian..." Naomi whispered, glancing down at their joined hands. "I’m just right down the hall."

He didn’t let go. "Goodnight kiss?"

Eleanor cleared her throat.

Dorian turned toward her in disbelief. "Oh, come on!"

Naomi immediately took advantage of the distraction. She slipped her fingers from his grip, gave him a small wave and hurried after Ginny before he could stop her again.

he slowly turned back toward his mother. "Are you going to stand guard too?" he demanded. "You think I’m going to jump her in Ginny’s room?"

"Just so you know, I don’t particularly like the tough-love approach."

"Thank God."

"But I see the point."

"Of course you do. If Dad says jump, you fly."

Eleanor shrugged. "I’ll be taking the first shift when you both return home."

"Yes, please. I’ll give you the space in between us so no one can reach for the other." His sarcasm could have cut glass.

Eleanor remained unbothered. "You seem quite attached to her."

"Of course I am attached to her. She is my wife."