Chapter 24: Chapter 24



Joelle had once believed her heart was impervious to pain, but the words from Adrian shattered her composure like fragile glass. Her expression turned icy. “Why the heck should I apologize?”

Adrian’s voice carried a weight of authority she had never heard before, as if he truly believed himself to be a righteous judge. “Rebecca is concerned about you, and that’s how you respond?” A surge of bitterness flooded Joelle’s chest, so intense it nearly choked her. She must have committed unforgivable sins in a past life to be cursed with loving a man like him in this one. “Do I need her concern?”

Joelle’s voice trembled with barely contained fury, her pale face marred by a bright red handprint. She pointed an accusing finger at Rebecca, who lingered at the door like an unwanted shadow. “Adrian, I will never apologize to her. Take your woman and leave! I don’t want to see either of your faces again!”

Her upbringing had always preached decorum, but how could she swallow her pride when her husband’s mistress stood brazenly in her home? Adrian’s brow furrowed, anger simmering beneath the surface. He had felt a flicker of guilt towards Joelle earlier, but now, any trace of it vanished. “It looks like I’ve been too lenient with you.” His voice was cold, almost mechanical, as he stepped towards her. “I gave you freedom, not the right to throw tantrums. If you can’t appreciate that, then you’re coming home with me—right now! From now on, you don’t leave the house without my permission.”

Joelle’s breath caught in her throat. She had fought so hard to escape the cold, lifeless prison of their home—there was no way she would go back. She retreated frantically, her steps faltering as Adrian closed in, his shadow swallowing her whole. His large hand clamped around the back of her neck, and before she could even protest, he lifted her effortlessly with one hand. Her toes barely grazed the floor as he held her like a rag doll, helpless in his grasp. Even Rebecca, standing in the doorway, was momentarily stunned.

Joelle fought with all the strength she could muster, pounding her fists against his chest. “Let me go! I’m not going back with you, Adrian! You bastard!” Her blows were soft and ineffective, like a child’s. Adrian responded by tapping her head lightly with his free hand. “Behave.”

Joelle’s face flushed with rage. “Let go of me, you jerk!” “Oh, now you’re using foul language? Adrian’s chuckle was low and dark. “Wait until I get you home. We’ll see how brave you are then!”

Amid their heated exchange, neither noticed the flash of jealousy that crossed Rebecca’s face. “Adie…” she called out. Adrian shoved Joelle into the car without another word. Rebecca, looking frail and pale, leaned against the wall, slowly emerging from the shadows of the hallway. “My head starts to hurt again.” The moment the words left her lips, Rebecca crumpled forward. Adrian reacted instinctively, striding over to catch her. “Are you alright?”

Rebecca clung to his arm, her body trembling as she rested in his embrace, relishing the brief moment of comfort. Inside the car, Joelle stared out the window, her expression unreadable. When Rebecca stirred and opened her eyes, there was a haze of confusion in her gaze. “Adie, where are we? Did you bring me here?” Joelle’s eyes narrowed slightly. What game was Rebecca playing now?

Adrian, familiar with this routine, responded with well-practiced patience, “It doesn’t matter. I’ll take you back to Oak Villas.” As his words hung in the air, the sound of a car door slamming shut broke the silence. Rebecca flinched, instinctively reaching for Adrian, who remained still, his gaze following Joelle.

Joelle approached them, her face composed. “If you’re taking her home, I’ll head upstairs.” Just as she turned to leave, Adrian caught her wrist. “Come home with me.” “Sure,” Joelle agreed, but she glanced pointedly at Rebecca, who still clung to him. “But first, send her away.”

They both knew that wasn’t going to happen. Adrian’s brow furrowed slightly. “Are you jealous?” Joelle pressed her lips together, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response. Jealous? Of course, she was. The videos she’d seen of Rebecca had churned up envy, jealousy, and bitterness in her like a storm. But Adrian would never understand.

He, who always got what he wanted, couldn’t possibly grasp the pain of unrequited love—the agony of watching the person you love be affectionate with someone else. Joelle’s heart ached, a dull, relentless throb, but she’d already made up her mind to let go. Once she let go, she wouldn’t hurt anymore.

“Jealous? Please. I don’t even like you. Why would I be jealous?!” Joelle let out a hollow laugh as she pulled her hand free and walked upstairs, disappearing from Adrian’s sight. Rebecca, still in his arms, looked up at him with uncertainty. “Adie, I’m hungry. Could you take me to get something to eat first?”

But Adrian’s gaze remained fixed on the direction Joelle had gone. Without a word, he turned and slid into the driver’s seat. Startled, Rebecca scrambled to get into the passenger side. She had assumed he would take her to get food, but when the car finally stopped, it was in front of Oak Villas. Reluctantly, Rebecca unbuckled her seatbelt but made no move to get out. “Adie, have you been staying at home lately?”

“Where else would I be?” His voice was as cold as the night air. Rebecca’s voice wavered, tinged with a mixture of grievance and a plea. “You have your own family now. I guess you won’t care about me and my brother anymore, will you?”

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