Chapter 114: Chapter 114



Even though Joelle appeared quite embarrassed, she still remained silent. She just focused on eating and tried not to garner more attention. Adrian, on the other hand, was sitting beside her, asking for a bite from time to time. Joelle was the one who ate most of the meal. At one point, Adrian reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

All of a sudden, she remembered the times she had followed him everywhere like his shadow. If they hadn’t gotten married, they might have stayed friends forever. These past three years had shown her the reality: Adrian saw her as nothing more than a friend. In truth, he held no romantic feelings for her.

“I’m done.”

She was still chewing when he tried to wipe her face, but she pulled away from him. “I can do it myself.” Adrian stared intently at her. He noticed her eyes were downcast and her neck and ears were flushed pink. “Are you tired of working here?” he asked.

Joelle shuddered slightly as she met his gentle gaze. “I’m not,” she answered.

Adrian raised his hand and lightly touched her nose with a bent finger. Joelle moved away slightly, making sure her actions were barely noticeable. She was afraid that any sudden movement might upset him.

“Joelle, as I’ve told you before, we will live together in harmony. I can never see you as my wife, but you’ll always be a friend to me.” A friend, huh? A bitter smile formed on Joelle’s lips. A friend who could share his bed and bear his child, yet could never earn his affection?

By the way he was treating her, what difference did she have from a hooker? The only difference was the fact that Adrian was allowing her to have his child. Eventually, she decided not to argue. It was clear that he had no romantic feelings for her, and she was tired of fighting that losing battle.

Her main concern was the baby. She needed to stay calm and focus on finding her own happiness. “Okay, I get it,” she replied submissively, which seemed to please Adrian. Before leaving, he hugged her in full view of their colleagues.

“Would you like me to pick you up after work?” he asked. “No, that won’t be necessary.”

His earlier gesture of sending her lunch had already caught everyone’s attention. If he picked her up after work, people might start to think she was just a wealthy woman trying to experience a normal life. Only those who lived in luxury could understand the complexities behind their seemingly carefree existence. Behind her glamorous appearance, no one would guess that her husband’s heart belonged to another woman.

“Are you going to see Rebecca later?”

She had overheard his conversation with Rebecca the day before, but she didn’t feel angry anymore. Now that Adrian was coming home every day, it was Rebecca who should feel uneasy.

“Yes. She needs immediate medical care.”

Joelle kept her tone gracious and understanding. “I understand. You should go.”

She watched him drive away, her smile dissolving as he disappeared. When one reached true despair, dramatic outbursts would cease. At that moment, she truly comprehended the gravity of her situation.

Back in her office, where her colleagues were napping, Joelle pulled out a bottle of pills from a drawer and took two with water.

A colleague leaned in and asked, “What did you take?”

Joelle showed her the bottle. “Vitamins.”

“I see. Take care of yourself.”

“Okay.”

Joelle’s gaze lingered on the bottle. The pills were crucial for her baby’s well-being. She needed to keep her pregnancy confidential, so she had to take the pills discreetly.

After work, her driver was there to pick her up. She used to take the bus, but the crowded conditions after work became too challenging, especially now.

“Mrs. Miller, how was your day?” the driver asked. “Thank you for asking. It was fine.”

Joelle’s phone buzzed with a message from Lacey.

“I’ve taken care of Michael. He’ll head to Ned tomorrow.” Joelle responded with a smile, “Thank you.”

Lacey read Joelle’s reply and then tossed her phone aside.

A man’s foot was beside her thigh. Michael was tied to the bed, a towel gagging him. When Lacey removed the towel, Michael’s voice erupted. “I won’t betray Adrian! No one can split us apart!” Lacey assessed him coolly, her eyes finally landing on the thin blanket around his waist.

Michael, noticing her gaze, grew alarmed. “What are you looking at?”

Lacey climbed onto the bed, smiling. “Why the nerves? Haven’t you heard? A man who is confident doesn’t worry about being seen.”

Michael watched her approach with a predatory grace. His throat tightened. He steadied himself and said, “Lacey, can you release me first?”

She settled on top of him. “Is that a yes?”

Michael turned his head away. “Lacey, let’s get dressed first.”

“Why? Are you afraid you might lose control?” She smiled, holding his chin.

Reluctantly, Michael met her gaze. “Fine! Yes! Now get off me!”

Lacey complied cheerfully, loosening the cuffs from his wrists and ankles. As soon as Michael was free, he shoved her away and hastily put on his pants.

“You’re insane. I need to tell Adrian what you’ve done!” Lacey pulled him back, knelt on the bed, and wrapped her arms around him from behind. “Michael, please don’t leave.”

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