Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 38

**Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 38**

Renee found herself momentarily paralyzed, her mind racing as she processed the unexpected turn of events. Yet, within a heartbeat, she regained her composure, smoothing out her expression as if it were a wrinkled garment. With purposeful strides, she approached the coffee table, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Don’t forget the knife,” Adam interjected, his voice nonchalant but commanding.

Without hesitation, Renee obeyed, picking up the knife alongside the fruit platter. The weight of the knife felt oddly heavy in her hand, a reminder of the tension that hung in the air. She made her way to the poker table, setting the items down next to Jasper with meticulous care, ensuring she didn’t disrupt the ongoing game. Just as she was about to retreat and find a place to sit, she caught Adam’s eye. He nudged Julian, a silent signal that spoke volumes.

Julian, ever the quick thinker, slid an empty chair closer to the table and suggested, “It’s a bit cramped here. Renee, why don’t you take a seat next to Mr. Zeller?”

Adam, lacking the courage to voice his own intentions, had relied on Julian to relay his wishes.

The atmosphere at the table was thick with unspoken judgments. Each person had witnessed their share of questionable behavior, yet Adam’s actions struck them as particularly shameless. Though no one dared to vocalize their thoughts, their disdainful glances were unmistakable. When their eyes flicked to Renee, a trace of pity lingered there, as if they were silently mourning her predicament.

Renee surveyed the table, finding the seating arrangements just adequate—neither too tight nor too spacious. It seemed fate had conspired to place her right beside Jasper, the very man she had hoped to avoid, especially given her status as Adam’s wife, albeit one who had yet to sever ties.

The thought of sitting next to Jasper, while Adam appeared to offer her up like some sort of trophy, sent a surge of frustration through her. She hadn’t yet filed for divorce, and yet here she was, reduced to a mere accessory in her husband’s game.

Her fists clenched tightly, the tremor in her fingers betraying her inner turmoil, though her expression remained serene. A delicate, almost imperceptible smile graced her lips, an outward facade of grace masking the storm brewing within.

“That doesn’t seem quite appropriate,” she murmured, her voice steady despite the turmoil.

Chris let out a laugh, shrugging as if the matter were trivial. “What’s inappropriate about it? Mr. Zeller knows how to treat a lady with respect, right, everyone?”

The implications of his words hung in the air like a thick fog, clear to all present.

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