Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 113:

After the speakerphone crackled to life, even the slightest noise was amplified, sharp and clear to Rebecca’s ears. Joelle knew Rebecca would obsess over every detail, but she couldn’t avoid emitting a series of soft moans. Handling Adrian alone was already draining her.

Feigning ignorance, Rebecca spoke up. “Adie, my brother found a specialist who wants to meet with me. Can you come with me tomorrow? It won’t take much of your time.”

It was a minor issue, something Adrian didn’t need to personally attend to, but Rebecca’s illness was rare and required attention. Adrian’s desire waned slightly, and he responded evenly, “Yeah, I can do that.”

“Thank you, Adie. You can go back to what you were doing just now.”

After Adrian hung up, Joelle mimicked Rebecca’s parting words mockingly. “Thank you, Adie. You can go back to what you were doing just now!”

Adrian smirked, amused by her imitation, loosening his grip on Joelle’s waist just enough for her to quickly slip away. Standing at a safe distance, Joelle began fastening the buttons of her dress, though it was too damaged to salvage. The dress was ruined.

“When do you plan on marrying her?” Joelle asked, crossing her arms as she looked down at him. Adrian frowned slightly. “Who?”

“Rebecca, of course.”

Adrian assumed Joelle was jealous, and the irritation that had been building all day cooled, like a fire doused with water. “I’d have to divorce you first, wouldn’t I? Why would I bring her into the family if you’re not giving up the title of my wife?”

Joelle’s hand dug into her arm, her nails biting into her flesh as she fought to keep her emotions in check. The heartache she felt was like a withdrawal symptom—familiar but no less painful. She loved this man, but all she wanted now was to let go.

“I don’t know; maybe to help Leah with the chores?” Joelle retorted with a bitter laugh, turning away and leaving with an air of grace.

Later, she washed up early and lay in bed, feigning sleep even though her mind was far from restful. She listened to the sounds of Adrian moving around the room—taking a bath, brushing his teeth, getting dressed, and finally, lifting the blanket to lie down.

Then, he grabbed her hand and guided it to a place that made her heart race with conflicting emotions. Joelle lay there, unsure whether to wake up or keep pretending to sleep while Adrian used her hand for his own pleasure.

Her arm grew tired, and she heard him grunt—a sound that made her want to look at his face, but she resisted the temptation.

Afterward, Adrian took a couple of tissues and wiped her hand clean before pulling her close. “Stop pretending!” he spat.

In the darkness, Joelle’s eyes fluttered open. If she refused to be embarrassed, then the embarrassment was all Adrian’s. She remained silent as he kissed her forehead. “Next time, we can try a different part of you. Your hands are too small!”

Joelle’s heart pounded wildly, but she stayed silent. The next day, Joelle couldn’t bring herself to look Adrian in the eye. The memory of what he had done filled her with a mix of anger and mortification. She grabbed a couple of sandwiches for breakfast and left the house in a hurry.noveldrama

At noon, while she was at her workstation reviewing the afternoon class schedule, a commotion at the doorway caught her attention. She looked up to see Adrian walking in, carrying a lunch box, heading straight for her.

“Can you please call Joelle for me?” he asked politely, his tone gentle—so different from the man she knew. Joelle was struck by the contrast for a moment. Having known Adrian for years, she was well aware of the facade he wore in public.

Before she could react, her colleagues began enthusiastically questioning him. “What’s your relationship with Joelle?”

“Hasn’t she told you?” Adrian replied with a dazzling smile that made all the female colleagues swoon, even though they knew he belonged to Joelle. “I’m her husband. We’ve been married for three years.”

“Wow!” The office buzzed with excitement. Joelle felt goosebumps prickling her skin. She couldn’t stand Adrian intruding on her work life again.

Standing up abruptly, she grabbed Adrian’s arm and dragged him out of the office. “What are you doing here?”

“Bringing you lunch,” Adrian replied.

“Since when are you so thoughtful?”

Adrian took a seat on the sofa in the visitor’s room, raising an eyebrow. “And to see if you’ve been meeting other men behind my back.”

Joelle laughed, crossing her arms. “I meet men every day!”

Adrian’s smile faded, his expression darkening. “Who?” The visitor’s room door was glass, and through it, people passed by, including a janitor and an old man who taught calligraphy.

Joelle remained calm. “I meet men every day. Any problem with that?”

Adrian chuckled, though still angry. “Enough with the games. Come over and eat.”

The thermal lunch box was one that Joelle used to send to Adrian, but now he was the one bringing it to her. She sat down next to him with mixed emotions, opened the box, and found it filled with her favorite dishes, along with some nutritious ones.

Joelle took a few bites, then glanced at Adrian. “Have you eaten yet?”

Adrian feigned a pitiful look. “I’ll eat after you finish.” Joelle pursed her lips. “Then let’s eat together. I can’t finish all this by myself.”

The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted it—there was only one fork. Adrian seemed to realize this too. Just as she picked up a piece of beef, he grabbed her hand, guiding the piece of beef to his own mouth.

.

.

.