Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 75:

A few days later, Joelle received an unexpected call from the police. The man and woman who had kidnapped her had been arrested. When the authorities found them, they were naked, lying in the woods, surrounded by a pack of wild animals. It was an episode so demeaning that Joelle preferred not to dwell on it.

In the days that followed, Joelle threw herself into job hunting, shuttling between interviews. However, her three-year employment gap proved a persistent obstacle, leaving her with a series of rejections for being out of touch with the workforce.

Seeing Joelle’s struggle, Leah’s heart ached for her. To lift her spirits, Leah made sure to cook comforting, delicious meals.

One afternoon, Joelle’s phone rang with a familiar but long-unheard voice. “Hello? Joelle? It’s me, Kiera. You remember me, don’t you?” Kiera was the stepmother of Miley, the young girl Joelle had tutored. Joelle remembered her well. Back then, Adrian had used his influence to force Kiera into ending her employment by threatening Miley’s father’s job. Joelle understood their predicament and kept her demeanor friendly.

“Yes, Kiera. I remember you. How can I assist you today?” Kiera continued, “Well, it’s like this—I know how much you cared for Miley, and both my husband and I have always felt guilty about how things ended.”

Joelle’s heart warmed at her concern. “It’s alright. I understand why you had to make that decision.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. However, I’d like to make it up to you. I have a friend who recently started an extracurricular education center, and they need a violin teacher for their music class. Would you be interested?”

Joelle’s face brightened. “I’d love to! That sounds perfect.”

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“Fantastic! I’ll send you the contact details of the person in charge.” As Kiera was about to end the call, she hesitated and asked, “You’re certain your husband won’t interfere this time, correct?” Joelle had made it clear to Adrian that he could no longer meddle in her professional life.

“He won’t. We’ve already had that discussion.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Kiera was curious about why Joelle, now a wealthy woman, would still choose to work so hard. But she hesitated to ask. Sometimes, knowing too much could invite more trouble than it was worth.

After ending the call, Kiera turned to the man sitting across from her. “Is this satisfactory?” she asked nervously.

Rafael gave her a gentle smile that made her blush. He was handsome with an affable demeanor, impossible for anyone to resist.

Rafael slid a business card across the table to her. “Thank you so much.” The card bore the contact information of the director of the country’s most prestigious music academy. Miley’s dream was to attend that school, a tribute to her late mother’s wish.

Kiera was eager to support Miley, convinced that securing a place at the school would help alleviate Miley’s guilt towards her mother. As Kiera slipped the card into her pocket, Rafael rose to leave. With an impulse, she asked, “May I inquire about your relationship with Joelle?”

Rafael hesitated briefly before replying, “We’re friends.” Kiera took a thoughtful sip of her coffee. “It seems you’re quite close, given the effort you’ve put into assisting her without seeking any recognition.”

Rafael’s smile dimmed slightly. “Some things are best left undisclosed.” Kiera chose not to press further.

The following day, Joelle attended an interview at the institution Kiera had recommended and successfully secured the job. She was assigned to teach a small class of twelve students, making her job relatively straightforward.

After her shift that evening, Joelle stepped out of the building and noticed that the city hospital was right across the street. Remembering that Rafael worked there, she wondered if she could chance upon him. To her surprise, as soon as she exited, she saw him.

“Rafael, what a coincidence!” Joelle greeted him with a warm smile.

“Joelle, what brings you here?”

Joelle pointed back at the building. “I started working here. I just finished my shift.” Rafael nodded and naturally fell into step beside her. “How’s the job treating you?”

“Not tiring at all. Teaching these kids is a breeze. Before I got married, I used to perform at twenty concerts a month, and I never felt exhausted.”

Rafael smiled and patted her head. “Don’t overexert yourself.” Joelle nodded, murmuring a soft acknowledgment. Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the air. “Oh my! Joelle, what are you doing here?”

It was Rebecca, clad in a hospital gown and flanked by Adrian. Joelle hadn’t seen Adrian for a while, having heard from Leah that he was on a business trip. Had he come straight to see Rebecca as soon as he returned?

“Is something wrong?” she asked, her tone cold. Adrian’s gaze, cool and assessing, lingered on Rafael’s hand, which had just touched Joelle’s head.noveldrama

Rafael, noticing the tension, withdrew his hand calmly. “Adrian, it’s been a minute.” Adrian ignored Rafael. He couldn’t shake the memory of a photo in Joelle’s wallet, where Rafael had similarly touched her with affection.

Rebecca, wearing a mischievous grin, teased, “Joelle, are you on a date with Rafael?”

Joelle’s eyes narrowed in irritation. As a married woman, what kind of date could Rebecca be insinuating? Was she to assume everyone had such low moral standards?

Joelle was about to respond when Rafael stepped in front of her and held her wrist. “Miss Lloyd, our familiarity doesn’t extend to such informalities. Please address me with the proper respect,” Rafael said, his tone cool and unyielding.

Rebecca, caught off guard and aware of Rafael’s connection to Adrian, had hoped to curry favor but hadn’t anticipated such a blunt response. “My apologies. I was out of line,” Rebecca stammered, her face flushing with embarrassment.

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