Before Adrian entered the house, he noticed the Rolls-Royce parked outside. Its distinctive license plate caught his eye, prompting him to mentally log it. Joelle, leading the way, suddenly inquired, âFeeling better?â Snapped out of his thoughts, Adrian responded, âYes, Iâve just spent three days in the hospital, but Iâm feeling much better now.â He then watched Joelleâs face closely.
Michael mentioned that caring for someone often began with a protective instinct. Adrian knew that if Joelle showed indifference to his health, winning her affection would be a challenging journey. When Joelle displayed minimal concern, Adrian understood he was starting from a significant disadvantage.
âMr. Miller, letâs play house! Iâll be the mom, you be the dad, and my brother will be the baby,â Aurora said, inviting him to play. Adrian seized this chance for family time, eager not to miss the moment. While Joelle went to change her clothes and started making dinner, the doorbell rang. âWhoâs there?â
Joelle had been teaching the children about safety, emphasizing they should identify visitors before opening the door. âItâs me, Jonathan.â Joelle opened the door to discover a large bouquet of red roses. The flowers were bright and striking. What was Jonathan planning this time?
âJoelle,â he called out. A chill ran down Joelleâs spine. âMr. Tan, what are you doing here?â âThese flowers are for you.â Hearing the exchange, Adrian hurried over, his face clouding instantly. He had only just begun to pursue Joelle, and suddenly a rival emerged. Though it wasnât his home, Adrian instinctively pulled Joelle behind him in a protective gesture.
Jonathanâs smile broadened. âFeeling jealous, huh? But as far as I know, you and Joelle have been separated for years, havenât you?â Adrianâs demeanor grew frosty, and his eyes sparkled menacingly. âWhat does that have to do with you? Leave now.â Jonathan, still holding the roses, advanced. âJoelle, thereâs a saying that revisiting an old relationship is unwise. Given your beauty, kindness, and intelligence, I trust you wonât revisit past errors. Perhaps consider me?â
âHow do you know that would be a mistake?â Adrian retorted sharply. Joelle glanced between him and Jonathan, sensing her tranquil life was being disrupted by these two men. âMr. Tan, Iâm grateful for your gesture, but our paths do not align. As the evening draws in, I must decline your stay for dinner.â
Jonathan was already planning to leave. âKindly take these flowers. The local shop could only supply 999, but in Bristania, my garden blooms with more. Maybe one day, Iâll show you.â Adrian stepped in front of Joelle more protectively. âWho cares?â âPerhaps Joelle does,â Jonathan countered, undeterred. He placed the bouquet into Joelleâs hands and kissed the back of her hand with grace. âFarewell, Joelle.â
As Jonathan departed, Adrian ushered Joelle towards the bathroom. âWash your hands now.â Joelle stumbled, caught off balance by his urgency. âAdrian! Whatâs wrong with you?â âIâm fine, but can we be sure about him? Maybe he has some infectious disease.â
Reluctantly, Joelle set the flowers down and thoroughly washed her hands with soap, all under Adrianâs watchful eye. Honestly, Jonathanâs touch had also made her uneasy. But Adrianâs intense reaction was surprising. Was it jealousy? âDone. Iâm off to make dinner. You donât need to stick around, right?â Joelle asked, visibly annoyed.
Feel inspired by ga ln o vels . com The confined space of the bathroom made it awkward for them to be so close. She attempted to leave, but Adrian moved slightly, effectively blocking the door with a stern look. âWhat are you doing?â Joelle felt a hint of danger. âWho is that man?â âItâs none of your concern.â
Adrian stepped closer. âRemember, as Auroraâs father, I have the right to know who you might consider as a potential stepfather for her.â It was then Joelle realized his concerns were purely paternal. Her heart, previously agitated by Adrianâs demeanor, calmed. She chided herself for her earlier reaction. âYouâre reading too much into it. Nothing is happening between us.â
Adrianâs icy demeanor thawed slightly. âReally?â Joelle faced him with a cool gaze and retorted, âBut thereâs even less of a chance with you.â She attempted to bypass him, but Adrian drew her back, pressing her against the sink. Trapped, yet unafraid, she met his stare with a frown.
Adrian bowed his head, his breath warming her face. Joelle anticipated a kiss, but it never came. Instead, he just studied her face intently. For a moment, she thought he might count every eyelash she had. The prolonged scrutiny and his proximity overwhelmed her. She flushed and shoved him back.
Her response was peculiar, but her thoughts were too scrambled to think clearly. Adrianâs mouth turned up in a faint smile. âMichael always said that blushing under a gaze suggests thereâs chemistry.â
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