Chapter 36

In the complex game of love, all was fair. That was the conviction Simon had held onto, at least. Love justified the means in its pursuit, he believed, and so he acted upon it.

After bidding Christine farewell, he found himself dialing Hunter's number, masking his real intention under the guise of a casual check-up on his older brother's health. However, his motives ran deeper, with an ulterior motive lurking beneath the surface of his concern.

Upon hearing Hunter grumble about his confining bed rest, Simon grasped at the opportunity to extend an invitation for a brotherly chat at a local cafe. The real intent was to evaluate and potentially manipulate the dynamics of his brother's relationship with Christine.

Simon was no fool. He had observed the subtle shift in Christine’s eyes when he revealed his brother's marital status. The mere thought of her changing her mind about their newly formed bond sent a chill of anxiety through him.

Seeing Hunter's bruised and battered image, the