Chapter 91: Chapter 91



Rebecca’s heart fluttered with a covert triumph as she clung tighter to Adrian’s shirt. Adrian’s voice was firm. “Rebecca, you need to live—for your father and brother. Your life is now my responsibility. If I say you must live, then you have no choice but to survive.”

As he released her, Rebecca’s smile stiffened and faded. “I’ve secured top doctors for Erick. They’ll restore him to his old self. You should rest now.”

“Adie!” Rebecca reached out, her fingers grasping at his sleeve. “Are you going to be with Joelle?” Her gaze dropped, sorrow shading her features. “I envy Joelle. She has her brother, her father, and you.” Her words hung heavily, a stark reminder of her solitude compared to Joelle’s fuller life.

Adrian’s face was a mask of indifference. “I’m heading back to the office for overtime.”

His words dispelled her fears—he wasn’t rushing to Joelle. Rebecca brightened immediately. “Then you should go. And try not to overwork yourself!”

Leaving the hospital, Adrian suddenly didn’t feel like going to the office anymore. His longing for home grew, craving the comfort of his bed and Joelle’s embrace. Yet, upon arriving home, he didn’t find Joelle.

He dialed her number, disturbing her slumber. “Where are you?” he inquired. Joelle’s voice, groggy and disoriented, replied, “At the hospital.”

“The hospital? What are you doing there?” Joelle abruptly came to, realizing she had almost revealed too much. “Katherine overdid it with the drinks, and I’m staying with her while they pump her stomach.”

“Really?” Adrian asked. As Joelle confirmed, she hastily texted Katherine, urging her to keep their story straight.

Adrian’s voice returned, a bit more insistent. “Then why aren’t you home yet?”

Joelle ran a hand through her hair, her voice tinged with anxiety. “I’m staying overnight at the hospital to care for Katherine.”

Adrian’s patience snapped. “Since when does a married woman spend the night out? Katherine has her own family who can look after her. You need to come home now.”

A hint of suspicion colored Joelle’s tone. “Are you at home right now?”

Adrian’s voice deepened. “What does that matter?”

Joelle blurted out, “Aren’t you with Rebecca?”

Adrian’s frustration was palpable. “No.”

Joelle couldn’t understand it. Why wasn’t he spending time alone with Rebecca? Why was he looking for her instead? “I really can’t leave Katherine alone right now,” she insisted.

“I need someone here for me too. Are you going to overlook that?” Adrian asked.

Joelle’s frustration finally spilled over. “You don’t need care. You’re looking for a partner to sleep with and start a family. Adrian, I’m human too. Can’t I have just one day to myself?”

Adrian’s face grew even more severe, Joelle’s words cutting deeply. “I’m only asking you to come home to sleep. Is that too much?”

Joelle held back, knowing too well that pushing him might lead to an unwelcome spectacle at the hospital. “You go ahead and sleep. I’ll be home in an hour.”

“Yes.” Joelle was doubtful he would wait patiently for an hour.

An hour later, Adrian’s call disrupted her sleep again. “Do you ever sleep?” she murmured irritably.

Adrian’s voice was chilling. “It seems you find Katherine’s bed warmer than ours. Have you forgotten the way home?”

Joelle, roused and cranky, snapped back, “Yes. Exactly right!”

Adrian’s reply was devoid of emotion. “Then I should call Katherine’s family. Ensure Katherine returns my wife to me.”

Panicked, Joelle flung off her covers. “Don’t! I’m coming now! I’ll be home in thirty minutes, okay? Just don’t make a scene! Keep this between us. Don’t involve others.”

Adrian checked his watch. “If you’re not here in thirty minutes, I’m going to the Nash family for answers.” Fear prickled at Joelle, her anxiety palpable.

She rushed to hail a taxi, her phone ringing with Katherine’s call during the scramble. “Joe, what’s up? Did Adrian catch you out with someone?” Katherine’s voice crackled with barely contained excitement. “Stay cool. Remember, you were with me all night, no matter what anyone asks. I’ve got your alibi set.”

“Knock it off! Aren’t you supposed to be overseas? Just tell him you came back early if he asks.”

When Joelle reached her home, she ascended the stairs with trepidation. Adrian was silhouetted against the window, his gaze fixed on her approach.

She arrived breathless, exactly thirty minutes later. “What do you want?” she panted.

Adrian rose and approached, his hand cradling the back of her head, stopping just short of a kiss. “You haven’t been drinking. That’s good.”

Joelle’s cheeks warmed, and she pushed him away. “Is this fun for you? What do you really want from me?”

Adrian, noting her pallor, softened, his planned reproach unspoken. “Let’s go to bed.” He lifted her effortlessly into his arms.

Joelle inhaled sharply, her hands instinctively protecting her stomach. Adrian’s eyes caught the subtle movement, the implication not lost on him.

.

.

.