?<strong>Chapter 51:</strong>


    Lacey didn’t intervene.


    As Joelle headed back to the hotel, she went over their travel ns with Katherine, who had given up on meeting the influential businessman she’d been waiting for.


    That afternoon, they arrived at the airport. Adrian called Joelle once, but she didn’t respond.


    A few dayster, Joelle, fresh from teaching Josiah andden with groceries, found Adrian dressed in ck at her doorstep. “Mr. Miller, what can I do for you?”


    “Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”


    The image of Reba in Italy was still vivid in Joelle’s mind. She had thought that going abroad might lessen her impact, but Reba’s presence only confirmed she would always be a wedge in Joelle’s rtionship with Adrian.


    “Adrian, I’m finished with these games, alright? If it’s fun you’re after, there are plenty of women eager for your attention. Please, leave me out of it. I’m not ying anymore.”


    She reached for her keys, but Adrian grabbed her shoulder. “Do you think marriage is a game? Why go through all that trouble to be with me if you weren’t serious?”


    “Because I needed the money,” Joelle fired back, holding his gaze. “Can’t you see? My brother was desperately trying to keep the Watson family from copsing. We were teetering on the edge. I needed stability, assurance I wouldn’t be left destitute. Marrying you was that assurance.”


    Adrian narrowed his eyes. “So, you acknowledge it then.”


    “Yes,” Joelle responded, her tone defiant.


    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .


    In a re of anger, Adrian pushed her against the door. The stic bag slipped from her grip, sending apples and potatoes rolling down the stairs. “What I despise most is being deceived, Joelle.”


    Joelle flinched, sweat forming on her brow. “Then why haven’t you divorced me? If we separate, we’ll both be free.”


    Suddenly, Adrian released her. His anger vanished, leaving his expression cold and his demeanor controlled, yet barely concealing the turmoil inside. “Tomorrow, you will apany me back to visit Grandma.”


    “I refuse.” Her desire to sever ties with the Miller family was firm, making their expectations irrelevant to her.


    “It’s not your choice. Even for a divorce, we need Grandma’s approval.” Before turning to leave, Adrian fixed a stern gaze on her. “Joelle, you’re not the only one unhappy. Believe me, I’m even more eager for this divorce than you.”


    The next day, Joelle and Adrian entered the Miller Mansion together. As they entered, Katie walked past them, yawning. “Ah, Joelle, you’re here—perfect timing! I’ve been craving those cookies you make. Mind baking a batch?”


    Joelle straightened up, her voice cool. “I seldom visit and am practically a guest here. Isn’t it polite to ask me to cook?”


    L stepped in, trying to smooth over the tension. “Joelle, Katie really admires you and just loves the treats you bake. She refuses to eat anything else.”


    Joelle smirked. “So, because she wants something, I’m supposed to jump to it? You’re good at twisting things, L, making it sound like I’m cherished while treating me like a servant.”


    L’s face froze momentarily, embarrassment evident. She quickly shifted her focus to Adrian. “What’s gotten into Joelle today? Did you two have a spat? It’s normal for couples to disagree, but bringing that tension home isn’t right.”


    “We didn’t argue or fight. She just doesn’t like you.” Adrian wrapped an arm around Joelle’s shoulders, guiding her toward Irene’s room.


    “Joelle…” Irene’s frail voice called from the bed as she extended a delicate hand towards Joelle. “Come, sit beside me.” Joelle walked over and took her hand.


    Irene’s face lit up with a warm smile. “I heard you and Adrian had a wonderful time abroad recently.” Joelle looked surprised. “How did you know?”


    “Lacey called and told me everything,” Irene replied, her eyes shining with satisfaction. “It’s so good to see your rtionship flourishing. It puts my mind at ease. I can rest peacefully now.”


    “Please don’t say things like that, Irene,” Joelle responded, feeling uneasy about the implication that Irene didn’t have much time left. It felt so final.


    Just as Joelle was about to continue, Irene raised her hand to stop her. “I also heard that you and Adrian are still living separately. Why is that? Is the house ufortable? Is Leah not taking good care of you?”


    “No, it’s not that.” Joelle shook her head. “There’s already—” Adrian interrupted her before she could finish. “It’s more convenient for her job.”


    Was he trying to prevent her from mentioning Reba to spare her from Irene’s disapproval? How thoughtful.


    Irene tightened her grip on Joelle’s hand. “How much can you possibly earn from that job? If you really want to work, why not be Adrian’s assistant?”


    Adrian’s voice was cold. “That’s unnecessary.”


    “You don’t get a say in this,” Irene snapped. “You can’t even keep your wife by your side. Useless man.”


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