Chapter 19: Intervention

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P.S. Look at Scott's ring.

Alma Moir

"What did you say?" She found herself asking. 

There had to be some sort of misunderstanding. 

Scott grimly explained, "It's like 2008 all over again. Things were great in PyeongChang until Marina's interview. Persephone had been trying to warm Tessa to the idea of announcing our marriage, but she wasn't ready. We're seeing Dr. Qureshi again, but she's been so hot and cold lately. Until a few days ago, she was giving me the cold shoulder. After a bout of jealousy, she's become overtly affectionate. I'm losing my mind here, mum. I don't know what to do."

My poor baby.

"I'm so sorry Scott. I know you wear your heart on your sleeve, but remember, so does Tessa. She does want you, but I think part of that resentment from the past still haunts her."

"What do you mean?"

"Scottie, do you remember what you did when she had her first surgery?"

"How could I forget?"

"Honey, when you weren't there for her, she had no one. Literally and figuratively. Part of that made her question if she could trust you."

"Then why did she marry me?"

"Other than for your kindness, impeccable manners, and handsomeness? You'll have to ask her."

"Am I just supposed to be docile?"

"No, let your predilection for her guide you."

They hugged before returning to the living room, where Joe and Tessa were talking about global tensions.

--- Patrick Chan ---

"Are you two kidding me?"

A week ago, Dr. Qureshi had been alarmed about Tessa and Scott. As a loyal friend, he had tried to meet with the couple on multiple occasions. Each time, they had claimed to be "busy". Yet today, they acted nonchalant. 

He sat across from them, in their immaculate home. White walls accented by a winter-theme, it still felt like they were on the ice in some way. Without a shadow of a doubt, he knew Tessa had selected the furniture. Scott, for his part, developed and designed the many photographs of them that characterised the house. From their first skate to their last win, every moment of their lives had been documented in this room. Most people felt like outsiders when meeting the pair, but Patrick knew better.

He also knew they could not fool him when they said, "Sorry for delaying this, we've just had so much to do -"

Usually, he, Patrick Lewis Wai-Kuan Chan, was forbearing. Attitude was a family trait that could only be clement in temper, but today, he was not a Chan. Today, he would be a saviour. 

"And what would you be busy doing?" He ventured.

Let them eat cake. 

"Interviews, family commitments-"

"You haven't spoken to the press since Marina."

Tessa fiddled with her thumbs, masquerading with nervous laughter. 

"Let it go, man." Scott interrupted. 

Everyone's favourite couple weren't in sync today, and he took advantage of their silence. 

"I love both of you, I would like to think that you know that. So everything I will now say is in my devotion you, your family, and our country."

"Patrick, you really don't have to-" Tessa faltered. 

"Oh but you see, I do. Marina struck a cord in you, I can see it when you flinch at the mention of her name. But both of you knew that your relationship could not be kept secret forever. And because I do interact with your fans, I hear people say that Scott is the obvious one. Or the tell. Do not hold that over his head, Tessa, I can see the way you look at him. I know the reason your secret spilled."

 It was the reason Marina knew. Because she was so flipping obvious.

He continued, "So you see, the only person you needed to fear was Marina. I've been in relationships, I can tell when two people love each other. Give each other a break. Whatever it is, you can talk it out. Besides, who said love was easy? All I know is that you two deserve each other. Oh and Scott, Alma and I talked. Don't even think about divorce."

---

Because yes, even the strongest relationships have insecurities sometimes. Feel free to duel with me in the comments if you have anything to say. As always, thank you for reading and for all of your support. Your words are the highlights of my day.

Stay tuned: to see if The Great Chiddy can force reason into them.

Want more to read? Try: The World With You (the sequel).

  Twitter: twitter.com/CelestialHolmes  

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