Chapter 118: Chapter 118



On the way home, Joelle remained silent, gazing out the window. Suddenly, Adrian’s large hand clasped hers. “What are you thinking about?” Joelle had a lot on her mind.

The child…

The situation with Ned that she had delegated to Lacey…

But these were topics she couldn’t share with Adrian.

“Nothing.” She shook her head.

Adrian’s expression remained serene as he pinched her chin, coaxing her to look at him. “Is work troubling you?”

“No.” Joelle shifted the conversation. “You haven’t been around Rebecca lately. Is everything alright?”

“What could be wrong?” Adrian’s arm encircled her waist, his hold firm but gentle as he lifted her effortlessly.

Joelle suddenly found herself perched on his lap, an uncomfortable pressure against her, constrained by the cramped back seat.

Adrian’s hand drifted to her lower back, then to her slightly bulging abdomen. He teased, “Have you been overindulging lately?”

Feeling a surge of anxiety, Joelle blushed deeply, hastily moving his hand away, fearful he might detect the change in her body.

Adrian cradled her head, planting a kiss on her forehead. “Seems like Leah should get a bonus for keeping you so well-fed.”

“You’re the one who’s plump.”

Joelle’s mild annoyance only made her more endearing, prompting Adrian to lean in for a deep kiss.

Joelle’s eyes widened in shock.

She hadn’t anticipated such intimacy in such a setting. Adrian was the aggressor, his kiss passionate, leaving her heart racing.

She felt unexpectedly overwhelmed, his intense kiss nearly drawing the breath from her.

Pressed firmly against him, her posture rigid, she moaned breathlessly. “Hmm…”

As she gasped for air, the faint sound made Adrian finally release her.

Their foreheads still touching, Adrian teased with a sly grin, “What about tonight?”

Joelle knew what he meant. Since the “abortion,” Adrian had been abstinent for too long.

If she kept refusing, it would definitely arouse his suspicions.

“Let’s discuss it at home.”

Adrian’s smile widened slightly, and he kissed her again gently.

Upon reaching home, Joelle’s anxiety spiked.

The moment they stepped through the door, Adrian pinned her against it, his kiss fervent, the slight pressure on her abdomen causing her to tremble with apprehension.

Though slightly stirred, she knew this wasn’t the moment for intimacy.

As they kissed, Adrian shed his shirt and guided her hand to his chest.

Joelle’s pulse thundered, her entire being aflame with conflicting emotions.

With effort, she pushed him back, panting from the exertion and the emotional tumult. “You go take a shower first!”

Adrian grasped Joelle’s wrist, his tone thick with urgency. “You bathe me.”

Feeling his intense heat, Joelle recoiled, pulling her hand free. “No!”

Unperturbed by her rebuke, Adrian wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Tell me, how long do you plan to keep me waiting?”

“Who’s keeping you waiting?” Joelle retorted, her cheeks burning and her heart heavy. “Go take a bath.”

Feeling the tension between them slightly soften, Adrian didn’t want to escalate the situation and reluctantly headed for the bathroom.

Once he was inside, Joelle composed herself and quickly dialed Rebecca.

“Adrian is with me every day now. That must be uncomfortable for you, right?”

Rebecca immediately recognized Joelle’s voice. Since she opted from Adrian, her resentment towards Joelle had been brewing for some time.

“Joelle, why deceive yourself? Adie has already told me he’s only with you to fulfill his grandmother’s wish for a great-grandchild. Joelle, it’s pitiful, really. You’re just a breeding machine to him. Originally, Adie planned to have a child with me, but given my health concerns, he opted for you instead.”

Joelle’s fingers clenched around her phone. Although the revelation wasn’t shocking, it deepened the numb ache in her heart, pushing aside any flicker of jealousy. “Really? If that’s so, why don’t you call him away? Rebecca, can’t you see how he’s drawn to me more each day? Leaving you is inevitable.”

Rebecca bit her lip hard. “Joelle, what are you playing at?” Calmly, Joelle challenged, “I propose a bet. Bet you can’t pull him away with just one call. If you fail, it just shows your insignificance. I’ve overestimated you all along.”

“Let’s bet!”

Joelle glanced back towards the bathroom door, her voice firm. “Then call him after ten minutes. Rebecca, prepare to be the laughingstock.”

“Humph, we’ll see who ends up embarrassed!” Rebecca disconnected abruptly.

Joelle’s confidence wavered as Adrian’s voice filtered through the bathroom door. “Joelle, bring me a towel.”

She knew full well there were towels readily available inside. Adrian’s request was clearly a pretext.

Reluctantly, Joelle decided not to provoke him and entered.

“Here.” She carefully avoided making eye contact with Adrian as she passed him the towel.

But in a swift motion, Adrian’s wet hand clasped her wrist, drawing her closer.

.

.

.