Chapter 77: Chapter 77



How could Joelle forget? She had agreed to have a child with Adrian to honor his commitment to his grandmother. Her initial resistance had faded, and she was even contemplating reopening the discussion.

“Adrian, do we really need to have a child?” she ventured. Adrian unbuttoned his shirt, his gaze casually sweeping over her.

“Instead of talking, why not focus on making me happy?”

Joelle’s eyes widened, realizing her lack of leverage. She felt as vulnerable as a bird in his grasp, effortlessly pulled under him. Adrian positioned her legs over his shoulders, his voice a husky whisper. “Call me.”

Caught in a whirl of conflicting emotions, Joelle murmured, “Adrian…” Adrian’s gaze intensified, piercing through her. “Not that.” Unable to hold his stare, she cursed, “Bastard.” Adrian chuckled, his breath warm against her ear, “Wrong again.”

Confusion clouded Joelle’s thoughts. Those were the only names she had for him. What was going on with him today? Puzzled by his unusual behavior, she said tentatively, “Adie?”

He paused, a wicked smile curving his lips as his intensity escalated. Later, Joelle retreated to the bathroom, sinking into the tub. Her thoughts circled back to the earlier moments when Adrian demanded she call him Adie. She had long stopped calling him Adie. When she had discovered Rebecca calling him the same, she had been disgusted.

Admitting to herself that she was being selfish and childish, she had decided to relinquish the name, recognizing it wasn’t exclusively hers. When she left the bathroom, Adrian was gone from the bedroom. Indifferent, Joelle closed the door behind her but stopped as she noticed light seeping from under the study door. She pondered Adrian’s situation. Fathering a child with a woman he didn’t love must be a torment. His earlier aggression seemed merely a means to ensure conception, and now, the thought of sharing a bed with her might repulse him.

With a bitter laugh, Joelle locked the bedroom door. In the study, Adrian, freshly showered and dressed in his pajamas, was deep in thought. He had no desire to sleep beside Joelle tonight. Reflecting on his demand for her to use specific terms of endearment, he recognized the absurdity but couldn’t quench his need to assert dominance.

The image of Joelle with Rafael ignited a primal urge to claim her. She was his wife, and the thought of her smiling at another man triggered a possessive instinct he couldn’t ignore.

The next morning, the dining table was a battlefield of silent tensions. Leah, sensing the strained atmosphere, attempted to inject some lightness, but the air remained charged and uncomfortable.

She attempted to lighten the mood. “Sir, would you like me to bring lunch to your office today?”

Adrian’s gaze remained fixed on Joelle as he responded, “Let her bring it.” Joelle looked up, her tone practical. “I can’t today. I have classes to teach.”

Adrian was direct, his voice laced with a sharp edge. “Would you prefer I call Shawn and discuss it with him, or should I speak to the people at the sanatorium?” His words were a clear threat, brooking no argument. Joelle set down her utensils, her voice steady yet resolute. “Adrian, stop making things difficult. It takes me half an hour just to travel to your office and back. That would consume most of my lunch break. You’re doing this deliberately, aren’t you?”

Adrian’s reply was icy. “Good. It’ll keep you too busy to flirt with other men.”

Joelle blinked, incredulous. “Flirt with other men? When have I ever done that?” Ridiculous! He had an affair with Rebecca. And even if she did flirt with other men, so what?

Adrian didn’t bother to argue further. He glanced at his watch and stood up, deciding for them. “Leah, bring the lunch to her.”

Leah inwardly dreaded the journey but remained silent. Joelle’s frustration was palpable. “Adrian, stop making decisions without consulting me. I’m not one of your employees.”

Adrian paused by her chair, his hand resting on the back, his presence overshadowing her. “Making decisions without consulting you? Joelle, did you consult me when you maneuvered into this marriage? It’s time you understood what it feels like to be manipulated.”

Adrian’s voice was a low murmur, meant only for Joelle, but it flushed her cheeks with embarrassment. He grasped her chin firmly. “If you’re not there by noon, don’t expect a peaceful night. Understand?”

Joelle clenched her teeth, seething internally at his presumption. Was she merely here to serve his whims? Despite her fury, she remembered her current dependence—living under his roof, dining at his table, spending his money.

Biting back her anger, Joelle managed a terse, “Yes, I understand.”

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