Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 99:

As Adrian and Joelle arrived at the Miller Mansion, the real scene was just beginning. Sitting in a wheelchair, Joelle donned a knitted hat against the chill, reminiscent of a patient after chemotherapy.

Everyone had already gathered in the living room. Irene, seated centrally, clutched a crutch in both hands, her expression grave. As Adrian wheeled Joelle through the doorway, Lyla, tear-stained and frantic, was the first to approach.

“Joelle, we are profoundly sorry. Spencer’s actions were unforgivable. The loss of your child is a tragedy for us all!” Perhaps Quincy and his family had devised some strategy over the last few days. Even Katie, usually at odds with Joelle, seemed to soften her stance.

“Joelle, what Spencer did was inexcusable. Please, could you find it in your heart to forgive him and offer a chance for redemption?”

Amara scoffed sharply, her voice laced with bitterness. “Another chance? Who will grant my grandchild a second chance at life?”

Joelle felt a wave of sadness wash over her. It seemed no one truly cared about her—she was just a pawn in their games. Spencer was now behind bars, burdened by a history of offenses. His latest act, driven by desire, had robbed Joelle of her unborn child, leaving no possibility for forgiveness.noveldrama

Quincy, noting the failure of Lyla and Katie’s appeals, opted for a more direct approach. “Adrian, it’s clear Spencer is to blame. What’s your plan for handling this? I promise no objections from my side.” Adrian shot Quincy a frosty glance, treating him as though he were nothing more than a shadow.

He maneuvered Joelle to face Irene squarely. “Grandma, there’s nothing left to discuss. A life was taken, and it’s only just that the perpetrator faces the full extent of the law.”

“Adrian!” Lyla surged forward, clutching at his arm while tears cascaded down her cheeks. “Adrian, please, he’s your cousin. Surely, there must be some mercy for him!” After all, Lyla was an elder, so Adrian refrained from striking her. However, Amara, who was nearby, quickly stepped in and shoved her aside.

“Now you remember they’re cousins? Why was this never mentioned when my husband died?”

“Enough!” Irene slammed her hand on the table, standing abruptly. Her commanding shout silenced the room. “Spencer must face the consequences of his actions.”

Both Quincy and Lyla gasped, “No!”

Irene’s gaze hardened. “No more words. You owe Adrian more than you can repay.”

At her words, Quincy and his family fell silent. Suddenly, Irene swayed, catching everyone off guard. Waving off concern, she declared, “I’m weary. This discussion is closed. Leave now.”

Even after Irene had departed, the air crackled with unresolved tension. Katie approached Joelle, her face twisted with anger, and hissed, “Bitch!”

Lyla made a half-hearted attempt to intervene, yet Katie continued her tirade. “Had you not ensnared Spencer from the start, he would never have entangled himself with you. Joelle, if any harm comes to him, the blame is yours!”

Joelle’s hands balled into fists, her jaw set tight, but before she could retort, Adrian’s hand had already connected with Katie’s cheek, sending her sprawling to the floor.

Katie, defiance blazing in her eyes even as tears started, clutched her cheek. “You…”

“Speak another word, and you’ll find yourself alongside Spencer behind bars.” Adrian’s voice was icy, a stark warning.

Silence descended. With no further objections, Adrian wheeled Joelle towards his bedroom.

In the room, Joelle’s eyes brimmed with despair. Adrian, sensing her grief, reassured her, “Joelle, we’ll have a child in the future.”

Her gaze was fixed on the drenched window, reflecting her somber mood. Adrian removed his suit jacket and took a seat beside her.

A spark of curiosity flickered in Joelle’s eyes. “By the way, why did your grandmother say they owed you?” Adrian clasped her chilled hand. “Are you sure you want to know?”

The unexpected tenderness in his voice alarmed Joelle. “Never mind; don’t tell me if you’d rather not.” He gently touched her forehead. “You’ll need to be strong if you want to hear it.”

Be strong? Joelle harbored a deep-seated urge to confront Adrian. She was pregnant with Adrian’s child, but he forced her to have an abortion. How could she face him cheerfully after such an ordeal? Why did he persist in wanting a child with her if he detested this baby so much?

A knock interrupted her turmoil. Amara stood at the doorway, devoid of sympathy. “Adrian, your grandmother is calling for us.”

“Alright.”

The air in Irene’s room was heavy with the scent of medicine. Before entering, they heard her coughing weakly in bed. Adrian and Amara approached as Irene, propped up by pillows, questioned them, “Are you pleased with the outcome?”

Amara’s response was scornful. “What do you mean? Your words escape me.”

The acrid taste of medicine choked Irene, silencing her momentarily. She could only gesture with a wave of her hand. After regaining her composure, she fixed them with a weary gaze. “There must be more to Joelle’s miscarriage than meets the eye. I’m not looking to argue, as I know exactly what you’re scheming.”

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