A Love That Will Never Be

Zeke's bright eyes brimmed with confidence. In the past, Carter would have been triggered, but he was no longer the same man. He had since learned that a woman who could be easily wooed by others did not belong to you in the first place.

He refused to spare Zeke one look in the face of Zeke's provocation. Zeke became furious. Snickering, Zeke added, "You'd better not cry when I take Misty from you."

"Good luck," replied Carter dryly.

Although Misty did not love him, she wouldn't fall in love with the young and rash Zeke either. She only cared about Zach. Zeke had only enjoyed Misty's attention because he was Zach's little brother.

Carter helped Misty take care of the incident at the hotel and found new accommodations for Zeke before calling it a day.

An idea occurred to Misty when they headed home in Carter's car. She turned to Carter, asking, "Darling, Zeke is holding an art exhibition in two days. Do you think you could show him some support?"

Carter almost laughed at the absurdity of Misty's behavior. He could not wrap his head around her outrageous and entitled request. Not only was she going out on a limb for another man, but she had to drag her husband into it as well.

Chuckling, he felt a heavy weight on his chest. He whispered, "Misty, I'm not that kind."

She blinked in confusion. "But Zeke is Zach's younger brother…"

"And that's why I can't take it!" Carter stepped on the brakes without warning and pulled over. His eyes were colored with rage underneath the dim streetlights.

Why would Misty unabashedly show off her love to another man in front of him?

Misty couldn't speak. She knew he was angry.

A stifling silence filled the space. Carter had wanted to engage Misty in a heart-to-heart talk, but he finally realized there wasn't a need for it.

Carter started the car and drove home in disappointment.

…

Carter and Misty gave each other the silent treatment in the next few days. Misty understood that she had pissed Carter off, but at the same time, she felt wronged.

Didn't Carter know that she had never gotten over Zach? Why did he have to compete against a dead man?

Besides, she was nice to Carter in their daily life.

Feeling indignant, she ignored Carter, who did the same to her. He often hid in the study without a word when he got home. She poured all her attention and energy into setting up Zeke's art exhibition.

"Misty, won't you anger Carter? You basically spent all your time helping me out," asked Zeke worriedly when they were at the art gallery.

Misty pouted. "Nah."

She assumed Carter's anger would subside in the next few days. Carter had always made up with her within three days whenever they fought. But she failed to notice they had now gone five days without speaking.

"Mr. Flanagan, these are a few PR plans we drafted in the event of your divorce. Please have a look."

Carter opened the file before him in his office. Before he could start, his assistant barged into the room, announcing, "Mr. Flanagan, a fire broke out in the building where Mrs. Flanagan attended the art exhibition!"

Carter's expression crumpled. "What did you just say?"

When he hurried to the scene, he saw smoke billowing out of the building. The left side of the building was up in flames. It was a chaotic situation.

Carter worriedly looked for Misty in the escaping crowds, but he could not find her anyway. He spotted the disheveled-looking Zeke and grabbed him. "Where's Misty?"

Zeke averted his gaze. "Misty is still on the 4th floor."

Carter's heart sank when he learned that Misty was trapped. Without thinking, he ran into the building and into the fire.

Fighting against the flow of the crowd, he finally located Misty, who was attempting to take a painting with her.

His presence came as a surprise to Misty. "Carter, why are you here?"

"Let's go." He grabbed her. "The fire is gonna spread to this floor very soon. Hurry up."

To his dismay, Misty shook off his hand and ran further into the art gallery. "No! Zach's final painting is in there! I'll lose it forever if I don't save it!"

Carter shut his eyes. He arrived at a decision after seeing Misty running into the smoke without hesitation.

He went ahead to stop her. Then, he offered, "I'll get that painting."

When he passed her by, he said to her, "Misty, this is the fourth chance."

Alas, no one heard him in the commotion.