?<strong>Chapter 146:</strong>


    When Joelle left the apartment, she left the door unlocked for convenience. Thus, Adrian easily entered, carrying her to the bedroom. His expression fierce, he pinned her down and demanded through gritted teeth, “Joelle, what have you done with Rafael?”


    “Is that any of your concern?” Joelle retorted, her gaze icy. “Remember, we are divorced.”


    “You drove me to it,” Adrian responded sharply, his voice cold. “To me, you’re still my wife.”


    Joelle’s eyes widened, rmed by the possessive fury in his stare. “Release me!” she demanded.


    “I’m asserting my rights as your husband!” he imed, bending to harshly bite her neck.


    Joelle shuddered in fear.


    “Has he ever touched you like this?” Adrian red at her as he spoke.


    “Adrian, you monster!” Joelle cried out, her wrist painfully pinned against the pillow.


    “Yes, I am. And I’ll make sure you remember to whom you belong,” he growled, reaching for his belt. Joelle screamed, “Leah! Leah! Help!”


    Her voice filled with desperation and exhaustion; she was uncertain if Leah could hear her.


    ｍ????ｅ ｕ??ｄ??ｔｅｓ ??ｎ ???ｌ????ｖ??ｌ??.??????


    Shortly, Leah burst through the door, demanding, “Sir, please, restrain yourself! Do not mistreat her!” Adrian’s ardor cooled amid themotion.


    For the first time, he regretted Leah’s presence. Reluctantly, he released Joelle and stood back, surveying the room. Rafael had not entered the room.


    Joelle saw Adrian’s gaze linger on a bottle of medicine by the mirror. It was the medicine that she often took for her baby’s well-being, along with a vitamin bottle. She fretted over whether he would discover more than he should.


    A thought struck Adrian painfully—Joelle might never be able to have children again. The notion that an abortion might have damaged her severely weighed on him.


    Regaining hisposure, he realized his impetuous presence. Rubbing his face wearily, he suggested, “Try to rest early.” He then left.


    Confused yet touched by his troubled demeanor, Joelle felt a pang of sympathy. Despite everything, he had been her love for eight years. She preferred remembering him as strong and formidable, not broken and defeated.


    “Why do I still care?” she murmured to herself, touching her cheek.


    The following day, her boss summoned her.


    “Ms. Watson, Mr. Romero briefed me about your situation. When will youmence training in the other city?”


    Given Rafael’s discretion about her pregnancy, she knew her secret was safe with her boss. Considering her four-month pregnancy and its increasing visibility, Joelle replied thoughtfully, “I’m leading my students in a mall performance this Sunday. Could we schedule the announcement post-event?”


    “Okay.”


    In preparation, Joelle had been busy rehearsing with fellow music teachers, their final showcase nearingpletion. Previously, it had always been her on stage. Her renown overseas eclipsed her local fame. She had once held many solo concerts and nearly joined an international orchestra, but an injury to her right hand dashed those opportunities.


    As Joelle watched her students y, tears gathered in her eyes. She might never grace the stage again.


    On Sunday morning, Joelle and two other teachers assembled the children for an early performance. At eight o’clock, before the shopping mall officially opened, the organizers scheduled a rehearsal. By the afternoon, when the concertmenced, the mall was bustling at its peak capacity. The crowds filled all six floors.


    Joelle was anxious but did not falter under the pressure. Thankfully, the performance unfolded without a hitch.


    On the third floor, Reba wheeled Salome. “Mom, let’s head back. Adie wouldn’t be pleased knowing you’re spending his money like this.”


    “His money? It’s as much ours as his!”


    “But he intended for you to purchase necessities with it!” Reba insisted.


    “What good are those things?” Salome scoffed, ncing at her golden bracelet. “Gold is the real cure-all.” Pulling out her phone, she boasted, “I ought to show those country folks the grand life I lead in Illerith!”


    Reba quickly intervened, “Mom, please, put it away. It’s not safe to unt that here.”


    “You’re right,” Salome conceded, pocketing her phone. “We’re doing well now. Don’t be like your brother—too greedy. We must cleverly use Adrian’s guilt to secure afortable future.”


    “Mom…” Reba’s voice trailed off, her heart heavy. While she benefited from Adrian’s generosity, her feelings for him were genuine.


    “Reba, think about it. Bing Adrian’s wife could elevate our status beyond imagination!”


    .


    .


    .