"No need to thank me. After all, while I was away, you worked so hard taking care of my wife," Ashton said with a smirk, fully leaning into his mischievous nature.

Then, taking Elaine’s hand in his, he added, "Come on, let’s go. Let Mr. Hall deal with his heartbreak alone for a bit."

Elaine stifled a giggle, barely able to hold it in as they walked away.

Behind them, Alex’s voice rang out, dripping with mock indignation. "So I didn’t even get to ...