Me-Before-You-by-Jojo-Moyes

The woman continued, lamely. ‘Look, I know this is probably a bit of a shock
to you. Actually, it was rather a shock to me. We – it – well, it only really started
a long time after … ’
My arms had begun to ache. I glanced down at the basket, trying to work out
what to do.
‘Well, you know you and I … we … ’
Another weighty silence.
‘Will, please say something.’
‘Congratulations,’ he said finally.
‘I know what you’re thinking. But neither of us meant for this to happen.
Really. For an awful long time we were just friends. Friends who were
concerned about you. It’s just that Rupert was the most terrific support to me
after your accident –’
‘Big of him.’
‘Please don’t be like this. This is so awful. I have absolutely dreaded telling
you. We both have.’
‘Evidently,’ Will said flatly.
Rupert’s voice broke in. ‘Look, we’re only telling you because we both care
about you. We didn’t want you to hear it from someone else. But, you know, life
goes on. You must know that. It’s been two years, after all.’
There was silence. I realized I did not want to listen to any more, and started
to move softly away from the door, grunting slightly with the effort. But
Rupert’s voice, when it came again, had grown in volume so that I could still
hear him.
‘Come on, man. I know it must be terribly hard … all this. But if you care for
Lissa at all, you must want her to have a good life.’
‘Say something, Will. Please.’
I could picture his face. I could see that look of his that managed to be both
unreadable and to convey a kind of distant contempt.
‘Congratulations,’ he said, finally. ‘I’m sure you’ll both be very happy.’
Alicia started to protest then – something indistinct – but was interrupted by
Rupert. ‘Come on, Lissa. I think we should leave. Will, it’s not like we came
here expecting your blessing. It was a courtesy. Lissa thought – well, we both
just thought – you should know. Sorry, old chap. I … I do hope things improve