Chapter 42

"They're not even in the same league." Nelson frowned. "Why not? Just 'cause Mr. Fields's a guy and Serena's a girl? Come on, it's 2024, ever heard of gender equality, Mr. Cooper?" Claire sat up straight and buckled her seatbelt. "And you just said a side piece is a side piece—doesn’t matter if it’s a man or a woman. So I've got a question that's been bugging me. Between me and Serena, who's the other person in your relationship?" The air in the car turned ice cold all of a sudden. Other than the hum of the engine, only their soft breathing could be heard. Claire wasn't expecting any answer from him anyway. She let out a bitter laugh. "The one who's not loved is the real side piece. You don't have to say it. I get it. And I finally figured it out—forcing love? Yeah, never ends well..." She paused for a second, then turned to look at him. Her voice was calm but serious. "So, Mr. Cooper, I've already let go. Could you do the same and just leave me be?" Nelson kept his eyes on the road, l