Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 28



Chapter 28:

Joelle rushed to Olive Villas, eager to give Josiah his scheduled lesson. Today, Rafael was also there. He visited the Walters family from time to time to monitor Josiah’s well-being.

After their session, Josiah’s parents, touched by Joelle’s dedication, insisted she join them for dinner. Joelle looked out at the evening sky and realized that it would be too late to shop for groceries and cook at home. With this in mind, she smiled and gladly agreed. “Alright! Thank you for the invitation!”

Rafael pulled out the chair beside her and quipped with a grin, “In that case, I shall join without invitation!” They exchanged a smile. Rafael’s relaxed demeanor somehow eased Joelle’s nerves.

They chatted long into the evening after dinner. As they finished, Josiah patted Rafael on the shoulder. “Could you take Joelle home?”

“Of course,” Rafael agreed with a nod. This time, Joelle didn’t refuse and got into Rafael’s car.

As they drove, Rafael inquired, “How’s your father?” Joelle’s face fell. She lowered her gaze and fiddled with her fingers. “He’s still the same.”

Her father had suffered a stroke when she was eighteen, rendering him in a vegetative state. For years, Shawn refused to give up on their father’s treatment. He searched everywhere for renowned doctors around the globe, but to no avail. Their father lay unresponsive to this day. To manage his care, Shawn placed him in a long-term care facility, though hope waned for Joelle and Shawn with each passing day.

Rafael cast a sympathetic glance at Joelle. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“Thank you, Rafael,” Joelle murmured with a faint smile. When they arrived at her apartment complex, Rafael took a moment and eyed the aged buildings with concern. “This is an old neighborhood. Is it safe for you to live here alone?”

It was the only place Joelle could afford near Olive Villas. Not wanting Rafael to worry, Joelle joked, “No worries. I’ve just finished a safety course. I’m extra cautious now!”

Rafael chuckled and patted her head. “Just make sure you’re not overexerting yourself, alright?”

“I’m fine,” Joelle insisted. “I’ve never felt as fulfilled as I do now. I’m slowly finding myself again, Rafael.” Rafael noticed the gleam in her eyes, which reminded him of her when they were little. “Keep it up, Joelle.” He unbuckled his seatbelt and wrapped her in an embrace. “I hope you’ll always be happy.”

Joelle’s cheeks flushed, and she finally bade farewell. “I’ll go inside now.” Once Rafael was gone, a black car stealthily pulled into his spot. Inside, Adrian observed Joelle with a stern expression. His hands gripped the steering wheel so tight that his knuckles turned white.

As Joelle was about to secure her door, a large hand stopped it. Before she could react, she was forcefully pushed back. An arm then encircled her waist and yanked her inside. She found herself pressed against the door and staring into Adrian’s red eyes. His expression was cold and menacing, and his entire being exuded wrath. He gripped Joelle’s chin, forcing her to look at him.

“Tell me, when did you start seeing Rafael?” If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed Joelle would become involved with another man behind his back. His possessions were his and his alone.

Feeling a mix of confusion and fear due to his unexpected aggression, Joelle cried out, “Adrian, let go of me! I have no idea what you’re talking about!” The air around Adrian was charged with terror, and his voice teetered on the edge of explosive anger.

“Joelle, you’re mine forever. I never agreed to the divorce. How dare you find another man?” What infuriated him most was that the man whom she wanted to replace him with was his friend. How could he possibly accept that?

Realization hit Joelle. Adrian must have seen her getting out of Rafael’s car. She gathered all her strength, pushed him away, and snapped, “Are you upset because you think I’m cheating, or because he’s your friend?”

Adrian laughed bitterly. “So you admit it?”

Not wanting to drag Rafael into this, Joelle retorted, “Admit to what? Believe whatever you want! Nothing’s going on between Rafael and me.”

“I saw everything!” Adrian pushed her against the door and stared at her with eyes blazing with anger. “What else have you two done behind my back? Where else has he touched you?” Adrian had seen every side of Joelle—her frustration, her attempts to seduce, even her innocent shyness. The thought of her being like that with another man was unbearable. It would drive him mad.

Despite the pain, Joelle calmed down and met his gaze steadily. “Is that what you really think of me, Adrian?” Adrian stopped, caught off guard. After a brief pause, he gripped the back of her head and pressed his lips against hers in a fierce kiss.

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