?<strong>Chapter 502:</strong>


    “Do you love me?” Adrian inquired, his eyes brimming with ire.


    “What are you talking about?” Joelle attempted to resume packing, but Adrian pivoted her around and grasped her wrist. He exercised restraint, wary of causing her any harm.


    “Answer me. Do you love me?”


    Joelle detected the subtle undertone of grievance in Adrian’s voice and, after a moment of contemtion, replied with measured patience, “Of course I do. Why else would I acquiesce to your proposal?”


    The burden in Adrian’s heart finally began to dissipate. He enveloped Joelle in his arms, his tall frame overshadowing her stature.


    “Adrian, what’s wrong?”


    “Knowing you love me is enough to reassure me you’re not leaving willingly. You have no choice; I understand,” Adrian murmured.


    “When did I say I was leaving you?” Joelle pushed him away, regarding him with bewilderment.


    “I never stated that I was leaving you.”


    “Then why are you packing to leave home?”


    “When did I say I was leaving home?”


    Adrian gestured towards the suitcase beside them, which was already half-filled with folded garments.


    “Aren’t you packing to leave?”


    Joelle finally grasped the reason behind Adrian’s peculiar behavior. She stood on tiptoe and yfully pulled at his ear.


    “Look closely. Whose garments are these?”


    Adrian gazed at the ck suitcase, slowly realizing it contained mostly his clothes. After a moment of silence, he said in a hoarse voice, “You’re right. I should be the one leaving.”


    He turned around, feeling utterly dejected at being driven away by Joelle.


    Joelle noticed something was wrong and quickly pulled him back.


    “Adrian, what’s going through your mind? Didn’t I ask Can to inform you? We’re nning a trip, and you’re joining us!”


    Surprised, Adrian asked, “What trip?”


    At that moment, Can’s call interrupted them. “Mr. Miller, I apologize. Earlier today, Ms. Watson asked me to inform you about the trip, but it slipped my mind.”


    Adrian’s expression grew tense, a calm facade masking his brewing anger. He remained silent, yet it was clear he was on the verge of erupting.


    Beside him, Joelle quickly pieced together what was going on. Can’s failure to mention the trip ns made Adrian think that Stephen had threatened her, leading her to choose Rnd instead. This misunderstanding exined Adrian’s anxious behavior since his return, repeatedly questioning if she still cared for him.


    “It’s natural for Can to forget things now and then, especially with his age and all the work he has,” Joelle said, attempting to ease the tension for Can.


    After the air was cleared, Adrian’s demeanor visibly rxed.


    “Where are we going?”


    While continuing with her packing, Joelle exined, “I need to look for Rnd. I’ve reached out to Shawn for help, but it’s crucial not to depend solely on others. We’re going to check every possible ce Wade could be. I’ve also confirmed with Can that you’re free of any majormitments this month.”


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