?<strong>Chapter 337:</strong>


    “I don’t know you!” Effie steadied herself, forcing a calm smile. “I was just surprised. I didn’t expect to see you this badly hurt. I owe you more than I can say.”


    “It’s no big deal,” Adrian said without much emotion.


    “Your mother…” Effie hesitated before smiling more earnestly. “Are you from the Miller family in Illerith?”


    Adrian narrowed his eyes at her, finding the question far too personal. “Do you know my mother?”


    “Is your mother Amara?”


    Adrian studied her, his suspicion growing.


    Effie quickly added, “I’ve only heard of her! Before I came to Bristania, I lived in Illerith for years. Back then, you hadn’t been born yet. Everyone knew about your parents’ romance.”


    “I see.”


    “Please rest. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”


    “Alright.”


    Effie left, but with every step, she nced back worriedly.


    Adrian hardly noticed because of his injury.


    After finishing her meal, Joelle appeared to check on him. Adrian couldn’t stop himself from smiling as soon as he saw her.


    That smile reminded Joelle of something almost childish—like a kid seeing their parents.


    “Feeling better?” She tried to sound concerned, but the words felt stiff as they left her lips.


    “What did you promise me?”


    Joelle inhaled sharply, her tone formal. “May I inquire how you’re feeling today?”


    “A bit better, thank you.”


    Joelle rolled her eyes yfully and reached for the bowl of porridge. “For now, it’s only soft food for you. I’m afraid you’ll have to endure it.”


    As she scooped up a spoonful, Adrian watched her, thinking he could endure anything if it meant this continued care.


    He obediently opened his mouth, epting the warm porridge. Joelle’s heart twinged as she fed him, his vulnerable state tugging at her emotions.


    “Just promise to take better care of yourself,” she murmured.


    Her voice wasced with sympathy.


    Adrian had grown up in a love-scarce family and trusted few. “I’m fine, really.” Adrian reassured her, brushing away a tear from her cheek.


    “Alright.”


    Once the porridge was gone, Joelle stood to leave with the empty bowl, but Adrian’s hand caught her wrist.


    “I’ll take better care of you, and our daughter too. Joelle, I know I’ve made mistakes, but I’m ready to change. I promise you, I will.”


    Joelle paused, torn. His miserable condition softened her nned reproach. “Understood.” Her reply was detached, the coldest words she uttered that night.


    After she left, Adrian’s smile slowly faded, and a hollow ache filled his chest. He hadn’t realized he’d been smiling the entire time they spoke.


    Two dayster, Jonathan was wheeled in by Bryce.


    He was still injured, sitting in the wheelchair, wheeled by a servant as he approached Adrian.


    “Thanks. Let me know if you need anything going forward.”


    Adrian’s face remained cold. “Stay away from Joelle.”


    “Ah, Joelle…” Jonathan leaned in, lowering his voice. “Did you try what I suggested? Isn’t it easier without getting emotions involved?”


    Adrian shot a look at the servant behind Jonathan.


    “Rx, she doesn’t understand ournguage.”


    Adrian rolled his eyes, seriously doubting Jonathan’s advice wasn’t going to lead him astray.


    “I didn’t try it,” he said.


    “Why not? You two are so pure?” Jonathan threw his long arm around the servant beside him, causing her to yelp as she spun andnded on hisp, clinging to him like a temptress. Adrian noted that while most Ricard family servants were in, Jonathan always surrounded himself with the most attractive, well-built ones.


    Jonathan grinned and unted his arm candy in front of Adrian. “See? A man’s gotta have ir. Being loyal is all good, but you can’t let yourself get walked over. She needs to understand you’re not limited to her. If she doesn’t appreciate you, make it clear you’re not short on choices!”


    Adrian was gearing up to respond when he noticed Joelle at the door.


    His heart dropped, yet Jonathan said carelessly, “What’s the big deal with Joelle? At nearly thirty, twice married, and with two kids, you’re actually doing her a favor by noticing her. Why would she turn you down?”


    Adrian fought the urge to smother him with a pillow. “Joelle, this isn’t what it sounds like! Let me exin!”


    Joelle entered, her smile frosty. Jonathan shifted ufortably. “Ah, Joelle!”


    “I’m ttered, truly,” she retorted sarcastically. “A twice-married woman with two kids, and here you two are, dissecting my love life.”


    Adrian stuttered, “No, that was all him!”


    Jonathan quickly interjected, “Exactly, it was all me! Just a bit of humor!”


    Joelle’s smile vanished. “You’re both injured yet still find strength to meddle in my ‘lonely’ life. Guess you’re not that injured after all.”


    With that, she pressed down sharply on their wounds.


    Their cries of pain followed her as she left the room.


    Until her departure from Bristania, Joelle never spoke to them again.


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