?<strong>Chapter 349:</strong>


    Joelle shifted ufortably under Adrian’s intense gaze and quickly changed the subject. “How is Lacey holding up?”


    Adrian’s voice softened, though a note of helplessness was evident. “No change, unfortunately. We’re still searching for a heart donor.” Michael had even delved into the murky depths of the ck market in desperation, but to no avail. Suitable donors were a rarity that money couldn’t always procure.


    The weight of the conversation seemed to press down on them, sapping the words from their lips. They were left to the mercy of circumstance and hope.


    “I’m going to lie down. It’ste. You should go home,” Joelle said, rising to her feet.


    Adrian stood too and pulled her into an embrace from behind. “After all this way, you’re still sending me away?”


    “Adrian, please, let go.” How could he do that? Would that really bring them closer or secure a future together? Ever since that evening, he had felt hopeful about the two of them. It was clear now. She felt something for him too.


    “Ever since that night at the hotel, I haven’t stopped thinking about you.”


    Joelle’s heart fluttered at the memory. That night had unleashed feelings and sensations she hadn’t fully processed, leaving her asionally adrift in a sea of desire. Sometimes, in the quiet of night, her dreams brought her back to him, stirring desires she struggled to ignore.


    “Adrian, I’m asking you to leave. Now isn’t a good time,” she said, her voice steadying as she unwound his arms from around her.


    Adrian tightened his embrace, his voice low and insistent. “I don’t believe you’re indifferent.” He breathed in deeply, the scent of her shampoo mingling with the air between them.


    Forced to arch her back slightly, Joelle’s gaze drifted upwards to the ornate chandelier above, her breaths growing shallower, blurring the line between reluctance and consent. As the tension thickened, Joelle’s resolve wavered.


    With a whisper that surrendered to the inevitable, she murmured, “Let’s move to my bedroom. I don’t want the children to hear.”


    Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction


    “Alright.”


    As they crossed the hallway, Adrian nced at the opposite door. “Whose room is this?”


    “It was Rafael’s,” Joelle answered sinctly, her tone closing off further inquiry. Adrian paused, a brief sh of surprise crossing his face. “You slept separately?”


    “Yes,” she replied, her voice t, signaling an end to the topic. Inside her bedroom, they dispensed with further pretense, each seeking sce in the other’s urgency.


    Afterward, as Joelley catching her breath, Adrian’s teeth grazed her inner thigh—a bold, intimate gesture. “Did you enjoy that?”


    Joelle looked away, her voice a mixture of dismissal and detachment. “You can leave now.”


    Adrian lingered, reluctant. “And if you want meter tonight?”


    Joelle’s smile was tinged with irony. “If I need you, I’ll call. Always be ready.”


    Joelle closed the door behind Adrian but hesitated when he asked to see Aurora. Finally, she relented, guiding him to the children’s room.


    Inside, Aurora and Rnd were tangled in a peaceful sleep, Aurora’s small stomach peeking out from under her nket. Adrian carefully pulled the cover over her and tenderly kissed her hand. “Goodnight, Aurora.”


    After bidding his daughter a quiet goodnight, Adrian left. Joelle watched him drive away, her heart tight with a mix of feelings. Breaking the silence, she called out to him, “Hey, are you free next Friday?”


    Adrian paused, turning back with a questioning look. “Why?”


    Joelle kept her voice even, masking her nerves. “Next Friday is the parent-child sports day at Aurora’s kindergarten. She mentioned wanting you to join her.”


    “Really?” Adrian’s face brightened, his voice filled with enthusiasm.


    “Yes. But if you’re not free—”


    “Of course! I wouldn’t miss it. What should I bring?”


    Joelle could tell he was thrilled. “There’s nothing special you need to bring. Just make sure you keep up with us.”


    “Alright!”


    Adrian was too energized to head straight home after the conversation with Joelle about the uing sports day. Instead, he redirected his car toward the gym, a ce where he could channel his excitement productively. Even though the sports day wouldn’t require him to lift a 65-kilogram barbell, the prospect of participating filled him with such vigor that he feltpelled to work out.


    Meanwhile, Can and his associates had a different type of confrontation awaiting them in a dimly lit parking lot outside a local bar. Chuck’s aunt stumbled out, intoxicated and belligerent, venting loudly to anyone who would listen.


    “What’s so special about Joelle? Her daughter pushed my nephew first! So what if she has Adrian backing her? I’m not scared! Really!”


    After dismissing her friends, she made a reckless decision to drive, despite her impaired state. Just as she approached her car, Can and two others blocked her way.


    Under the harsh lights of the parking lot, her eyes widened in a mix of recognition and fear as she saw Can. “What do you want from me?” she slurred. “Do you even realize who you’ve offended?”


    Can’s tone was icy, his sneer cutting through the night air. “The reality of your situation is beginning to sober you up. You tried to meddle in children’s affairs. Joelle already hit me! What more do you want?”


    “Her defending her daughter is her prerogative. Mr. Miller, however, believes you haven’t quite learned your lesson.” Without another word, Can’s hand struck her cheek—a punishing blow that echoed Joelle’s earlier defense of Aurora. The woman’s cry of pain sliced through the silence of the night. “I was wrong! I’m sorry! Please, just let me go!”


    Can stepped back, his expression unyielding. “Next time, think twice before you meddle in children’s affairs. If you step out of line again, be ready for the consequences.”


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