As he spoke, Patrick studied Hildegarde's face—only to find it flushed red, her delicate fists clenched tight.
She looked absolutely furious.
"Hildegarde, are you angry?"
"Don't tell me you actually miss him?"
Patrick's expression darkened. "If you can't let him go, then go sweet-talk him. Coax him back and live your happy little life. I'll just disappear from both your lives so I don't interfere with your blissful marriage!"
His voice dripped with bitterness.
The jealousy was unmistakable.
Hildegarde glanced at Patrick, and her icy expression melted into one of indulgent affection. She took his hand with a smile. "Patrick, what nonsense are you saying? How could he ever compare to you?"
"You're my best friend!"
"Besides, me coax him? Who does he think he is?"
"Relax. He won't actually divorce me. This is all just a ploy to get my attention. Where else would he go if he left me?"
Hildegarde's lips curled into a cold smile.
Even now, she refused to believe Wilfred would actually go through with it.