Too distracted

Haines had never heard Allison and Charles fight. This was the first. Hence, to respect their privacy, Haines found a stop at the end of the hallway.

"Haist!" 

Haines snapped his eyes when Charles stepped out of the room. The latter ruffled his hair in irritation before noticing the figure casually leaning on the corner. 

The two men stared at each other wordlessly before Charles sighed heavily. 

Without a word, Charles and Haines found themselves heading into the garden as if that was the only place they could talk to right now. 

"Today of all times…" Charles massaged his brows to ease his headache. "Allison wants to keep Nina just to appease everyone."

Haines didn't react and simply stared at the flowers.

Hearing no response, Charles glanced at him and sighed. "I told her no."

"I know." 

"Did you listen to us?"