?<strong>Chapter 164:</strong>


    Adrian never argued with Irene. Even when unconvinced, he’d avoid confrontation. Irene gave him a meaningful look. “I don’t see your worth, Adrian. In three years, no children, and you’ve driven your wife away.”


    Adrian epted her words with a nod. “I’ll make amends to Joelle in the future.”


    “So, now you regret your mistakes. Isn’t it a bitte for that?”


    Both Adrian and Joelle were left without words.


    “You need to do more than just talk to make it up to her. You will apany Shawn as his driver to visit Joelle’s mother’s grave!”


    Adrian thought he had misheard. Did his grandmother really suggest he drive Shawn? Surely she wasn’t asking him to act as Shawn’s driver, was she?


    Irene scoffed, “What? You’re refusing? See, Joelle? It’s all talk with him. You did the right thing leaving him. He’s not worth it.”


    Adrian couldn’t find the words to respond. With a resigned smile, Joelle intervened, “Irene, we appreciate your concern, but my brother and I can manage on our own.”


    It was unthinkable to have Adrian serve as her driver.


    “It’s fine; he owes you that much.” Irene dismissed them with a wave of her hand, using her need to rest as a pretext to usher them out.


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    Adrian inhaled deeply,ing to terms with the situation. “Let’s set the date for the visit soon. I’ll arrange my schedule.”


    “No, thank you.” Joelle’s tone was cool, detached. “Since you’re busy, I won’t impose on your time.”


    “I insist,” Adrian said firmly. “If you won’t ept, I’ll coordinate with Shawn myself.”


    Knowing Shawn’s business was growing, Joelle was reluctant to cause him any inconvenience. “I understand. I’ll give you a callter.”


    Adrian nodded, now reassured. “Need a ride? I can drive you.”


    Joelle sensed her interactions with Adrian growing increasingly effortless, a troubling sign. Bing friends with her ex-husband was never in her ns, especially one she had loved deeply for eight years.


    “No, thank you. Shouldn’t you be with Reba? Please, go see her.”


    With that, Joelle headed straight for the elevator, not pausing to look back at Adrian.


    She wasn’t rushing out of the hospital. Instead, she made her way to Rafael’s office. Near the end of her prescription, Rafael was already preparing a refill for her.


    In Rafael’s office, the man donned in a white coat and mask gestured for Joelle to wait to the side. A patient was detailing his symptoms, and Rafael listened with attentive patience. asionally, Rafael’s clear, deep voice filtered through his mask, making Joelle feel as though she was also under his care.


    After finishing with the patient, Rafael pulled out arge bag of medications from beneath the table. “I’ve listed all the instructions here. Call me if you have any questions.”


    “Thank you, Rafael.”


    Rafael ruffled her hair. “Go ahead; I need to get back to work.”


    Joelle left him to his duties. She stood by the elevator doors, waiting. The hospital elevator was notoriously slow, stopping on nearly every floor and always crowded. With time to spare, Joelle checked her phone as she waited.


    Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind. “Joelle?”


    She turned to find Katie, Adrian’s cousin. “Katie.”


    “What brings you here?” Katie’s curiosity was piqued as she looked Joelle over.


    “I’m just visiting Irene and picking up some medication.”


    “Stomachache, huh?” Katie eyed her suspiciously, then suddenly pulled a box of medicine from Joelle’s bag.


    Joelle remained unfazed, knowing Rafael had prudently substituted all the medicines with vitamin packs beforehand. As expected, Katie discovered nothing amiss. Yet, she sensed something off.


    “Why do you seem so unconcerned after your divorce from my cousin? You look like you’ve put on twenty pounds, haven’t you?”


    The remark struck a chord with Joelle. She had been self-conscious about her weight gain, although her doctor reassured her that her current weight was healthy, especially for the baby.


    “What are you doing here?” Joelle questioned Katie.


    Katie blinked, quickly concealing her report. “Oh, nothing. Just here for a check-up.”


    Spotting the elevator arrive, Joelle said, “Let’s go.” The elevator was packed. Wary of the crowd pressing against her pregnant belly, Joelle instinctively stepped back, and Katie did the same.


    Their eyes met unavoidably. Katie forced a smile, clutching her report close.


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