?<strong>Chapter 345:</strong>


    Joelle’s mind raced as Adrian’s arms encircled her waist, pulling her close. All she could think about was closing the gap between them with a kiss—a kiss they both desperately wanted, fueled by passion, not pretense.


    She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips meeting his in a willing embrace. Adrian’s reaction was immediate. His body tensed for a moment, then he surrendered to the kiss, embracing her fervently. Everything about the moment felt profoundly right. Joelle was swept up in a wave of joy andfort that she had never experienced before.


    Their embrace deepened, their bodies pressed together in the heat of passion. Adrian’s kisses left a fervent trail on her skin.


    Outside, the photographer had barely settled in when Adrian, now d in a bathrobe, abruptly handed her the camera. “We’re done here,” he dered firmly, his voice brooking no argument.


    “But the session isn’t over,” the photographer protested weakly.


    “The footage you have is sufficient.”


    With that, the photographer and the hotel owner beat a hasty retreat. Adrian then returned to Joelle, discarding his robe with swift motions. The only light in the room was stark yet clear, casting everything in a truthful, revealing glow. Joelle’s cheeks glowed with a post-bliss flush while Adrian’s breaths came heavy and deep.


    “No regrets?” he teased her, a lighthearted challenge in his voice.


    Joelle shot back yfully, “Why are you hesitating now?”


    “I’m just worried you might get mad at me.”


    “I’d only be mad if you let me down.”


    “Then I won’t stop unless you ask me to.”


    Their night stretched on until the edges of dawn tinged the sky, leaving Joelle with a satisfied exhaustion that made her limbs tremble. They finally sumbed to sleep, not stirring until the afternoon. A call from Shawn eventually pierced their bubble of solitude.


    “Why did it take so long to pick up?” he asked.


    “Oh, I was… upied.”


    “What’s with your voice?”


    “It’s nothing, really.”


    Just then, Adrian stepped out of the bathroom, his voice yful. “Awake? Ready for another round?”


    Joelle frantically motioned for him to be quiet, but it was toote. Shawn had overheard. “Joelle, are you…?”


    “No, Shawn, it’s not what you think!”


    Shawn’s voice carried a blend of jest and resignation. “I might have guessed this would happen, but hearing it… Guess my little sister really has grown up.”


    “Shawn! You’re misunderstanding!”


    “Take care, health first, okay? And don’t overdo things. I heard nothing, know nothing. Bye!” Shawn ended the call with a lighthearted warning.


    Joelle exhaled deeply and plopped down on the bed, pressing a hand to her forehead. Adrian settled next to her, his tone light but probing. “Why the worry? Shawn knows about us.”


    “What about us?” Joelle shot back, a yful edge to her voice. “You don’t think spending one night together changes anything, do you?”


    Adrian’s smile faltered. “What do you mean?”


    “Nothing,” Joelle said, casually sweeping her hair back. “I’m just making it clear—what happened was just about physical needs. Our rtionship hasn’t changed.”


    Attempting to leave the bed, Joelle was momentarily halted by Adrian’s firm grasp. “Joelle, are you just toying with me?”


    “Can’t handle a bit of fun?”


    “Who’s ying games here?” Adrian’s expression darkened, his annoyance palpable.


    “I am,” Joelle dered, pulling her hand away decisively. “If you can’t handle that, maybe I should find someone who can next time.”


    “You wouldn’t dare!” Adrian shot up from the bed, his voice a mix of challenge and possessiveness. “Even if it’s just a game, you’re only ying it with me!”


    Without another word, Joelle turned and headed for the shower, leaving Adrian to grapple with his swirling emotions alone.


    Exiting the hotel to avoid arousing the owner’s suspicion, Joelle and Adrian maintained their charade, walking hand in hand. After leaving, Joelle collected her two children from the Finch family, and they headed home.


    “Mom, why doesn’t Dad evere back?” Aurora asked.


    Joelle responded with steady calm, “Your dad has his own life to live.”


    “Doesn’t he miss me? I miss him so much. I wish I could live with Dad,” Aurora protested.


    Joelle looked at her child, a surge of sorrow tightening her chest. The notion that her children might need a father’s presence weighed heavily on her mind. She quickly dismissed the thought, resolving to depend solely on herself. Even as a single parent, she was determined to ensure her children would grow up healthy and well-rounded.


    Life resumed its usual rhythm once they were home. To help manage her responsibilities, Joelle hired two nannies, easing the demands of single parenthood.


    Unbeknownst to Joelle, Aurora continued tomunicate secretly with Dunn. One day, Dunn made his way to the younger children’s ss at kindergarten to see her.


    “I’m here for Aurora,” Dunn announced to the teacher. A child sitting opposite Aurora piped up, “Aurora, is that your brother? He’s so handsome!”


    Aurora smiled broadly and nodded, her face lighting up. “Yes! He’s my brother!”


    She darted over to him, exhrated. “Dunn!”


    “Aurora, can youe to our house? I have something important to share.”


    Aurora hesitated. “I’ve been staying close to Momtely. She’s really busy, so I don’t think I cane.”


    Dunn pondered briefly, then offered a solution. “How about this—I’ll ask my mom to pick us up after school. She adores you, so she’ll definitely want to help.”


    “Okay!”


    True to his word, after school, Gracie arrived to pick them up after telling Joelle the n.


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