Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 123:

The atmosphere thickened in an instant.

No one could have predicted that Joelle would publicly douse Adrian with water.

Was this something a gentle and obedient woman, who would always be a dutiful wife, would do?

Rebecca gasped, her surprise turning quickly into action as she shoved Joelle aside. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Rafael stood before Joelle to shield her. “Lay a hand on her again, and you’ll regret it!”

Rebecca froze, the fury in her eyes unable to find an outlet. She pulled out a tissue and began to dab at the water dripping from Adrian’s face.

“Adie, are you alright? Don’t be upset with her. Joelle and Dr. Romero have their own lives, and we shouldn’t interfere.”

Adrian’s eyes darkened, a storm brewing within them. His tone dripped with sarcasm as he said, “Joelle, I’m giving you three seconds. Come home with me now, and I might be willing to forget everything, including the incident three years ago.”

The mention of that incident, meant to keep Joelle in check, only served as a bitter reminder of how their marriage had begun—not with love, but with manipulation.

Adrian made it sound like he was the victim, yet it was he who had entangled himself with Rebecca, leaving his wife humiliated.

And in the end, it was Joelle who had to beg for forgiveness.

Could things get more absurd?

Joelle’s laughter rang out, sharp and cynical. “Adrian, let’s get one thing straight. You’re the one begging me to come back!”

His gaze hardened. “Say that again. Where did you get this newfound confidence?”

“I don’t need anyone to give me confidence. You want me to have your child so you can secure your grandmother’s inheritance, right?” Adrian’s eyes narrowed.

How could she possibly know that?

He had only discussed it with Amara at the Miller Mansion.noveldrama

Could it be…?

“You overheard everything?”

“Yes.” Joelle’s smile was bitter. “And guess what? It’s fine! I understand perfectly. I’m nothing more than a pawn in your and your mother’s game for wealth.”

Her words struck Adrian like a slap in the face, but they were undeniably true.

“It’s not like that,” he started.

“You don’t need to explain,” Joelle interrupted, her tone more aggressive than he’d ever heard it. She had waited too long for this moment.

Guilt gnawed at Adrian. He didn’t care about the water now, only about bringing her home and clearing up the mess he’d made.

He didn’t love Joelle; that much was true.

But he knew all too well the pain of losing a child, and he wanted to make amends.

But Joelle wasn’t interested in his attempts at redemption.

“I’ll have your children. I’ll give up my career and dedicate my life to bearing as many as you want. But I have one condition.”

She pointed at Rebecca. “Get rid of her! Send her so far away that she can never interfere in our lives again. Can you do that?”

Rebecca never imagined the finger would point at her.

How did this happen?

They were supposed to expose Joelle and Rafael, catching them red-handed. So why was she suddenly the target?

“Adie! Don’t listen to her! You swore on my father’s and brother’s graves that you would never abandon me! Didn’t you?”

Adrian looked at Joelle, his eyes stormy and dark. Discussing private matters in public was a violation of his deepest taboo, and Joelle knew this, yet here she was, making a scene.

Rafael, sensing something amiss in Joelle’s demeanor, still changed to defend her.

“Joelle, there are too many people here. Let’s take this somewhere private,” Rafael suggested, signaling to the restaurant manager to arrange a secluded room. “Sure!”

The manager watched the group, feeling a pang of regret that the drama was moving out of view—he had been hoping for a front-row seat.

Once they were behind closed doors, Joelle resumed her tirade. “Adrian, it’s time to choose. I’ve been patient for three long damn years!”

Adrian met her gaze, his voice steady. “I’ve told you countless times—Rebecca is just a patient. She’s no threat to you. Why can’t you just let it go?”

Joelle’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “It’s clear you’ve made your choice!”

Rebecca’s heart pounded as she watched Adrian. This was no time to speak up. One wrong word, one misstep, and everything could unravel. So, she chose silence, waiting and watching.

But Joelle was done with waiting. She pulled out her phone, making a call. Moments later, Michael entered the room with two bodyguards in tow. They weren’t alone—they dragged Erick in with them.

“Erick!”

“Rebecca!” Erick’s eyes darted to Rebecca, clinging to her as if she were a lifeline. But when he saw Adrian, his gaze dropped.

“What is he doing here?” Adrian’s confusion was evident. Michael placed a firm hand on Adrian’s shoulder. “Bro, I’m on your side this time, but there’s something you need to know.”

Adrian’s mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle. Everyone in the room seemed to share a secret he wasn’t privy to, and the feeling of being in the dark gnawed at him.

“What’s your game, Joelle? How much longer are you going to drag this out?”

Joelle didn’t bother to respond. Instead, she turned to Michael. “Go ahead, tell him. He won’t believe it coming from me.”

Michael nodded and, without warning, kicked Erick to the floor.

“How dare you!” Rebecca screamed, rushing to shield Erick. “Is there no law? Adie, are you just going to watch and do nothing?”

“Shut the hell up!” Michael’s voice boomed, silencing the room. “This little rat plotted against Joelle and caused Adrian to lose a child! It’s a miracle I haven’t killed him already!”

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