Chapter 50: Chapter 50



Joelle knew Katherine well enough to understand her love for jokes. But Katherine’s timing couldn’t have been worse. After hearing Katherine’s boast, Adrian cornered Joelle. “Is this how you and Katherine usually talk about?”

Joelle was caught off guard, her back pressed uncomfortably against the shelves. Outside, Michael was smoking when he heard the raised voices. Everything suddenly made sense to him, piecing together Adrian’s earlier questions. Realizing that Adrian and Joelle were alone and might be making out, Michael cursed under his breath at Lacey for her obliviousness and decided it was best to leave.

Back in the shed, Joelle found herself cornered with no escape. “What did she mean? Am I not enough for you? I didn’t realize your needs were so extensive, Joelle.”

Joelle held her breath, the darkness around them fueling her resolve. “You should know your own limitations. I’m not about to let my happiness be destroyed by you!”

Anger flashed in Adrian’s eyes as he pulled her closer, their bodies pressed tightly against each other. Joelle’s face flushed with heat, and she struggled to push him away. But the more she resisted, the clearer his intentions became.

“Still want to talk back?”

Joelle bit her lip. “I’m just speaking the truth.”

“I’ll prove you wrong right now!” Adrian replied coldly.

gαℓησv𝒆ℓs․com hosts exclusive updates The next second, Joelle felt a chill on her buttocks.

Upstairs, Michael hadn’t been gone long before he returned, and Lacey asked about Adrian and Joelle’s whereabouts. “‘Don’t worry about them. Just enjoy the party,” Michael replied, waving off her concern.

Twenty minutes passed, and still, Adrian and Joelle had not returned. Lacey’s curiosity got the better of her, and she asked Michael again, “‘What could they be up to downstairs?”

Michael took a slow drag from his cigarette, clearly uninterested. “They’re married for God’s sake! They can do whatever they want. Why are you so concerned?”

Lacey gave him a knowing smile. “In that case, I’ll have a room prepared for Adrian.”

When Adrian finally emerged, he was carrying a drenched and exhausted Joelle in his arms. She glanced at her phone; nearly an hour had passed since they entered. She was completely drained. Adrian could have ended it much sooner, but he had made her beg for mercy. Joelle, determined not to lose her pride, had held out as long as she could.

He carried her to the bathroom and gently placed her in the tub. As he undressed her, the bright light revealed clear, intimate marks on her skin. Adrian left momentarily but returned with some ointment in hand.

Joelle quickly sat up. “Don’t touch me!”

Adrian scoffed, “It’s not like I’ve never touched you!”

Joelle eventually surrendered. She was too drained to resist any longer.

After the bath, Adrian carried her to the bed, turned off the lights, and lay down behind her, holding her close. The sounds of the party outside still echoed faintly, but they seemed distant, as if coming from another world entirely.

“Are you tired?” Adrian asked.

Joelle, with her eyes closed, murmured a faint yes. Adrian finally allowed her to rest.

The next morning, Joelle woke to find the bed empty. The unfamiliar surroundings made her feel as though she were dreaming. Lacey entered, carrying a tray of food. “You’re up!”

Joelle sat up, her fingers brushing the fabric of the nightgown she was wearing. She knew Lacey hadn’t dressed her in it—it must have been Adrian.

“Breakfast is over, and I was going to wake you, but Adrian told us not to disturb you.”

Lacey had brought a simple breakfast: a sandwich and a glass of milk, prepared especially for Joelle. A pang of guilt tugged at Joelle’s heart.

“I’m sorry for all the trouble.”

Lacey waved her off. “What trouble? Keep apologizing, and I’ll leave you to it!”

Joelle forced a small smile in return. “By the way, where’s Adrian?”

“He went to the club with Michael. You should get ready. After breakfast, we’re joining them.”

“Alright.”

After Lacey left, Joelle quickly freshened up. As she stood before the mirror, her eyes caught the kiss marks scattered across her skin, remnants of the night before. Memories of Adrian’s whispered words during their time in the shed resurfaced. Embarrassment flushed through Joelle.

Descending the stairs, Joelle expected to find Lacey, but instead, the sound of the television drew her toward the living room. She froze when she saw a woman in a white dress seated on the sofa.

The woman slowly turned, and Joelle’s heart sank as Rebecca’s familiar face came into view.

“Joelle.”

This wasn’t a dream. The cold reality hit her hard.

“What are you doing here?”

Rebecca’s eyes looked innocent as she responded, “I came to Italy with Adie. I wasn’t feeling well yesterday, so I stayed in my room to rest. I didn’t know you were here too. Are you also here for Lacey’s birthday?”

Joelle let out a bitter laugh. She realized just how misplaced her confidence had been these past few days. Adrian and Rebecca were the true couple, and she was nothing more than a convenient accessory, a mere prop in Adrian’s carefully curated life. He had used her to maintain appearances.

“Did Adrian bring you here?”

Rebecca smiled and nodded. “Yes. I’ve never been out of the country before, so Adie thought a little trip would be nice.” As she spoke, she lowered her gaze, glancing up at Joelle through her lashes with a shy, almost timid look. “Joelle, you’re so kind. I’m sure you don’t mind, right?”

“What are you talking about?”

Before Joelle could gather her thoughts, Lacey appeared at the top of the stairs. Her welcoming smile toward Rebecca was like a slap in the face.

Joelle took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Lacey. Something’s come up. I have to go.”

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