?<strong>Chapter 74:</strong>


    Joelle paused for a moment, then retreated to her bedroom, securing the door behind her. In Reba’s room, Adrian carefullyid the unconscious woman on the bed, tucking her in with a nket. As he turned to leave, Reba’s cries filled the room, echoing through her sleep.


    “Dad, don’t leave me! I’m so scared!” Her voice wasced with fear. Adrian’s face clouded with concern as he stood frozen by her side.


    Memories of the past couldn’t help but resurface. Reba’s father had been a guardian to him since his earliest days, serving not only as a caretaker but also as his father’s loyal aide. Following his father’s death, Reba’s father had kept his memory alive, sharing stories that bridged the gap between past and present. It was Reba’s father who had introduced Adrian to his eldest son, forging a close bond between them.


    When tragedy struck, iming the lives of Reba’s father and brother, Adrian had taken her and her other brother, Erick, into his home. At the gravesite, he had vowed to look after them both for the rest of his days.


    Leaving Reba’s room, Adrian found Joelle absent from her usual spot. He tried her bedroom door, but it was locked from the inside. Deciding against trying to coax her out, he headed to the guest bedroom instead.


    Later that night, a call from Michael jolted Adrian awake. “Adrian, I’ve interrogated those two kidnappers. They noticed Joelle was alone and saw an opportunity.” Sitting in the dim light, cigarette in hand, Adrian spread his legs wide, his expression grave.


    “I just need to know if that man did anything to Joelle.” Michael’s response came with deliberate caution. “The woman ims he did, but the man denies it. They weren’t in the same room at the time.”


    After a moment of silence, Michael attempted to offer some reassurance. “Don’t overthink it. The woman might not fully understand the situation.”


    Adrian’s face was stoic, his gaze piercing. “If you were in his position, would you confess?”


    Michael grasped the gravity of Adrian’s doubt but had no certainties about what had transpired with Joelle. “Adrian, you arrived in time, right?”


    “When I got there, Joelle waspletely undressed!” Adrian said sharply. Michael was left speechless.


    Adrian massaged his temples, exhaling deeply. After a brief pause, he said wearily, “Send those two to the police. Let’s not discuss this again.”


    “What about Joelle?” Michael asked, his voice tense. “Adrian, can you live with this? If not, don’t force yourself. It wouldn’t be fair to either of you. Joelle would also be distressed.”


    “I’ll act as if nothing happened,” Adrian dered, his grip tightening on his phone, the light catching the gleam of his wedding ring. “I’m responsible for this.” If he hadn’t left Joelle alone, this wouldn’t have happened.


    The next morning, the stir outside awakened Joelle. Leah rushed in, her voice filled with excitement. “Mr. Miller has asked Reba to move out! She’s going to the hospital!”


    Joelle turned over in bed, unimpressed by the news. “So what? Adrian’s still footing the hospital bills, right? How’s that different from here?”


    Leah paused, considering this, then nodded. “True, but at least you won’t have to see her around. Now it’ll just be you and Mr. Miller.”


    Joelle scoffed, a bitter chuckle escaping her. “Leah, have you forgotten? In the three years, how many times has he actually stayed here? Even with Reba gone, who’s to say Adrian wille back?”


    Leah’s optimism didn’t waver. “I think he will. He seems to care a lot about youtely.”


    Joelle scoffed inwardly. She knew Adrian only wanted her to have a child with him.


    “Leah, I’m going to sleep some more. You can go on with your day.”


    “Alright.”


    After Leah departed, Reba knocked. Joelle, annoyed, dragged herself to the door. “What? You’re leaving and you expect me to see you off?”


    Reba stood there, dressed in a white dress with a square neckline that hung loosely on her thin frame, threatening to slip with any sudden movement.


    With a soft smile, Reba said, “Joelle, I came to say goodbye and to thank you for all your care during this time.”


    Joelle had to admit, when it came to feigning ignorance, Reba was a master. She couldn’t have kept up such a facade if their roles were reversed. She respected Reba for that.


    “Reba, since it’s just us, let’s cut the act and be frank. You want my ce, but you’re not qualified. Even if I handed it to you, you wouldn’t measure up.”


    Reba’s posture faltered slightly, though her naive smile remained intact. “That’s fine. As long as I have Adie’s love, I’m content.”


    Joelle surveyed her from head to toe. “Then I wish you both a life cloaked in secrecy, always lurking in the shadows.”


    Reba’s smile broadened. “And I wish you a perfect marriage, Joelle.”


    Perfect, indeed. Reba was acutely aware of the strains in Joelle and Adrian’s marriage over the past three years, with Adrian seldom at home. What perfection was there to mention? Her words seemed a taunt, mocking Joelle’s failure to captivate her husband’s heart.


    Yet, Joelle remainedposed. “Then I’ll thank you on Adrian’s behalf for your kind wishes.”


    As Reba turned to leave, the sweetness in her smile dissolved, giving way to a more calcted, chilly demeanor.


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