Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 90:

Joelle stepped back, her eyes wide with shock. “Adrian, are you threatening me with my father and brother?”

Adrian grabbed her, pushing her against the glass cabinet. The cold surface pressed against her back, sending a chill down her spine. He spoke in a low, taunting voice. “You know I can’t stand Spencer, but you still refuse to help me sabotage his engagement. You’re my wife, but you’re not doing your part.”

Joelle winced, struggling as her wrist throbbed from his grip. “This is ridiculous! When have you ever treated me like your wife? I want no part in your family’s mess, and I don’t care who’s in charge. I just don’t want to be involved with you anymore!”

Adrian’s grip tightened, his eyes filled with anger. “What did you just say?”

Joelle turned her head, her face flushed with frustration. “Unhand me!”

Adrian moved closer instead, ignoring her plea. “Michael said when a woman fights back, it’s because she wants it.”

Joelle felt tears stinging her eyes. She knew her pregnancy was still fragile, and Rafael had warned her that intimacy was dangerous during the first trimester.

“I said let me go, Adrian!”

Adrian watched Joelle struggle before losing interest. He let go, and she crumpled to the floor, gasping for breath. She felt completely drained, barely able to keep going. She was at her breaking point.

Adrian looked down at her, his expression cold. “Think about what Lacey said. Taking Spencer down will help us both. If you agree, I’ll give Shawn another hundred million.”

Joelle couldn’t bring herself to be as heartless. To Adrian, everything was a transaction, a deal to be made. She stared at the floor. “And if I don’t agree?”

Adrian turned slowly, his voice detached. “Then Shawn’s life will get a lot harder.”

galnovels . com is your storytelling hub

As he left, Joelle shut her eyes, feeling trapped. She knew she didn’t have a real choice.

The next day, she met with Lacey. “I’ll do it.”

Lacey noticed Joelle’s pale appearance and looked concerned. “Joelle, is everything okay? Did you argue with Adrian because of what I said?”

Joelle shook her head. “It’s not because of you. I just don’t feel well.”

Lacey assumed it was period-related and didn’t pry. They went to a cafe, discussing the plan. Then, Joelle watched as Lacey got into her car and drove off. Joelle couldn’t bear the pain any longer and called Rafael right away.

“Rafael, please help me. I think I’m losing the baby.” An hour later, Joelle was wheeled out of the examination room. Rafael looked at her report with a serious expression.

“Joelle, your pregnancy is unstable. The doctor said you’re showing signs of a miscarriage.”

Joelle felt panic rise in her chest. “How is that even possible? I’ve been nothing but cautious!”

Rafael tried to calm her. “Don’t stress. The doctor mentioned your body is weak, and your uterus had previous damage. Has anything happened recently?”

Joelle clenched her fist instinctively. “No, nothing happened.”

Rafael didn’t push her further. “It might just be your physical condition. Either way, you need to be very careful. This is serious.”

“I understand.”

Joelle had planned to move forward with Lacey’s plan in the next two days, but Rafael advised her to stay in the hospital for observation. Concerned for her baby’s safety, Joelle called Lacey to delay the plan.

That night, Joelle remained in the hospital and told Leah she was spending the night at Katherine’s house. Leah didn’t suspect a thing. “Alright, ma’am. Enjoy your time. Mr. Miller won’t be home tonight, either.”noveldrama

Recently Adrian had been coming home more frequently despite his busy schedule, so Joelle couldn’t help but ask, “Why isn’t he coming home?”

Leah answered, “He’s working late tonight. He’s been putting in a lot of hours recently.”

Joelle felt a wave of relief. As long as Adrian wasn’t with Rebecca, she could relax. However, later that night, Joelle got up to use the restroom and unexpectedly saw Adrian holding Rebecca in his arms.

They were at the end of the hallway, with Adrian’s hand resting on Rebecca’s waist while his other hand gently cradled the back of her head. Joelle knew how comforting and secure his embrace felt, but it was never for her.

Without making a sound, she turned around and returned to her hospital room. They didn’t notice her. Remembering Rafael’s warning to keep her emotions in check, she quietly left the scene, choosing not to confront them. Working late, huh? It was just a cover for his infidelity.

Leah was naive, and Joelle realized she had been just as foolish. Meanwhile, Rebecca, still in Adrian’s arms, looked up at him with teary eyes. “Adrian, what am I going to do? The doctor said my brother’s leg is beyond repair. He’s going to be disabled for life.”

Rebecca’s voice cracked as she cried and shook in his embrace. “This is all my fault. If I hadn’t been sick with this awful illness and developed this brain tumor, my brother wouldn’t have fallen at the construction site. He wouldn’t be disabled now! I’m the cause of all this. I don’t even deserve to be alive. I’m just a burden to everyone.”

Adrian stroked her head gently. “You can’t think like that. I won’t let you.”

.

.

.