Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 31:noveldrama

“Joelle!” Adrian’s voice sliced through the room, cold and unyielding. “How much longer are you going to make a scene?”

“I’m not making a scene!” Joelle turned to face Irene, her voice trembling with years of suppressed anguish. “Irene, you’ve witnessed everything over the past three years. If you hadn’t ordered him to come home, he would’ve stayed away for good. He keeps showing up with Rebecca, again and again. Everyone assumes she’s his girlfriend. So, what am I supposed to think? Where does that leave me?”

She continued, “I’m fed up! I can’t keep clinging to a man who doesn’t love me. I have my dignity, my pride. Before we married, I had plenty of suitors. Why should I waste my life on someone who doesn’t care?”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she clutched Irene’s hand. “I’ve decided to set him free. Can you all just let me go?”

Joelle had always imagined that when she finally said these words, they would be drenched in fury, fueled by resentment. But now that the moment had come, all she felt was small and exposed. Perhaps the one who loved first was destined to lose.

Irene’s heart ached as she gently patted Joelle’s back. “Dear, you’ve endured so much.”

This was the first time Adrian had truly heard Joelle’s grievances. So, she was really jealous of Rebecca. When she claimed she didn’t love him anymore, it was just a way to vent her frustration. Her jealousy only proved that she still cared.

If she cared, then why talk about divorce? She had to be throwing a tantrum.

Adrian’s tone softened as he tried to reason with her. “If you’re unhappy about something, just tell me. Don’t bottle it up.”

Joelle shook her head, accepting the tissue Irene handed her. “I don’t have any complaints left. All I want is a divorce so I can start over.”

Adrian’s brow furrowed in disbelief. “Because of Rebecca?”

Joelle didn’t hesitate. “Yes!”

Adrian struggled to keep his temper in check. “Rebecca is no threat to your place. You are my wife, and that’s something no one can take from you!”

His words struck Joelle as deeply ironic. Did he really think this was just about a title? How shallow did Adrian believe she was? “I don’t want to hold on to that title, Adrian. Please stop humiliating me!”

“Enough!” Amara, who had been silent until now, could no longer hold back. “All this fuss over a chauffeur’s daughter? Is this really necessary?”

She turned to Joelle, her voice steely with resolve. “If you don’t have the means to handle this, I do. Where does she live? Oak Villas, right?”

Amara was always swift in her actions. As Joelle watched her rise to confront Rebecca, she was momentarily stunned. “Amara?”

“Joelle, don’t stress about this,” Irene urged. “Everything the Lloyd family has, they owe to the Miller family. If they’ve meddled in your marriage, then there’s no reason to have them around.”

“But…” Joelle’s protest faltered as she saw Adrian rush after Amara, her heart sinking with each step he took. In that fleeting moment, her heart ran cold.

Adrian caught up with Amara just as she was about to get into the car. “Mom, please, calm down!”

“I am calm!” Amara responded in a measured tone, her voice low to avoid attracting attention. They were still at Irene’s place, after all. Her brow knitted in frustration as she continued, “Don’t you see what’s happening? Joelle was handpicked by your grandmother. If you lose her, you’ll lose your grandmother’s trust too! Adrian, don’t let Rebecca destroy everything. Are you really willing to watch our family’s legacy slip into Quincy’s hands?”

Adrian’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he clenched his fists. “Not in this life!”

Amara’s stern expression softened slightly as she patted his shoulder. “Good. I’m glad you understand.”

“But…”

“No buts!” Amara cut him off, her tone turning cold. “Go back upstairs and make sure Joelle doesn’t bring up divorce again. And do whatever it takes to keep your grandmother happy!” With that, Amara got into the car.

As the car disappeared from sight, Adrian remained rooted to the spot, his thoughts racing. He pulled out his phone and dialed Erick.

“Mr. Miller, how can I assist you?”

“My mother is on her way to Oak Villas. Take Rebecca and leave immediately,” Adrian ordered.

Erick sprang to his feet, panic evident in his tone. “We didn’t do anything wrong! Why is she coming?”

Adrian didn’t waste time on explanations. “Just do as I say! Ensure Rebecca’s safety.”

Erick stammered out a string of affirmatives before the call ended.

As Adrian turned back towards the house, he was startled to find Joelle standing behind him.

A faint smile played on Joelle’s lips. “If you’re that worried, why not go check on her yourself?”

She had overheard the entire conversation, leaving little room for pretense.

Adrian remembered Amara’s warning—he couldn’t afford to leave now. He had to mend things with Joelle in front of Irene. He closed the distance between them, gently cradling the back of her head with his hand, his voice deep. “Since when did you start getting jealous, hmm?”

Joelle’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “Adrian, what is wrong with you?”

Adrian took her hand in his, his tone softening further. “I know I’ve been distant. I’m sorry. I’ll change. Let’s not talk about divorce, okay?”

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