?<strong>Chapter 599:</strong>


    Adrian was suddenly taken back to Aurora’s very first violin attempt, which had sounded more like she was sawing wood than ying music.


    It wasn’t exactly melodic, yet it was utterly charming.


    Back then, Adrian had barely held back his chuckles, offering words of encouragement to Aurora. He hadn’t imagined then that she would one day perform a full piece.


    After their performance, Joelle guided Aurora down the steps to where Leah awaited them with open arms.


    As they were leaving, the host called out, “Joelle, how about a solo performance to celebrate our soon-to-be elementary students? Your shows are always a hit!”


    Without a moment’s pause, Joelle epted and performed a piece that beautifully echoed the graduation’s spirit, then gracefully exited the stage. Adrian was there waiting for her.


    She hadn’t seen him in days.


    gα?ησν????s, home to unforgettable stories


    He looked weary, the toll of his travels evident.


    “That was stunning,” he said.


    Joelle offered no reply, just a hum as she passed the violin to him.


    The family headed home after the ceremony concluded. Adrian hoped for a warm embrace from Joelle, something to bridge the distance between them, but it never came.


    “Honey.” He approached Joelle, who was busy tidying up, and drew her close.


    “Is everything alright between us?”


    Joelle scoffed lightly, tilting her head towards a sheet of A4 paper on the table.


    A cold wave washed over Adrian. He remembered a time long past when Joelle had shown him a document bearing two heavy words: Divorce Agreement.


    Had he inadvertently wronged her somehow? Surely not.


    Could arranging their wedding in secret have been a mistake? With a mix of dread and resolve, Adrian stepped forward to examine the paper closely.


    “A pledge?”


    “Mm-hmm?” Joelle handed Adrian her phone. In his absence, Can had uncovered the identity behind the controversial photo.


    The person was someone Adrian had previously assisted. And it was a man.


    This individual, following a mishandled investment, had resorted to menial jobs to manage his overwhelming debts, struggling even for meals. Adrian had generously given him a thousand dors.


    Joelle admired Adrian’spassion but hadn’t anticipated that his benevolence would extend to a point where a man could be her romantic adversary.


    She had instructed Can not to notify Adrian about the discovery, leaving him oblivious throughout his journey. Had he known, he would have immediately sought to rify matters.


    Joelle wasn’t furious, merely intent on making a point.


    He lifted the paper and read the written promise aloud.


    “I promise not to aid those who are self-sufficient. Preference will be directed towards assisting the elderly, the ill, and expectant mothers. My intervention will be reserved for truly critical situations.”


    Adrian finished reading, and whatever tension had clouded Joelle’s face before hadpletely faded.


    “Are you going to sign it or not?” she asked.


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