Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Ian glanced at Andrea’s thermometer. Her temperature was not too high, but a fever nonetheless.
55 vouchers
He set it down and his gaze flicked over Andrea’s nightwear. A flicker of unease passed through him before he grabbed a thin blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders.
“Take
your
medicine after the snack,” he said, preparing to leave.
Andrea shifted under the blanket, her hands fidgeting nervously. “Ian, maybe you should stay here tonight?” she offered. “Clint is now with my mom, and it’s pouring outside. Driving back isn’t safe p>
Ian’s gaze darkened. Just slightly, but enough for Andrea to panic.
“It’s late, and you have work tomorrow,” she hurried to add. “I just don’t want to mess up your sleep p>
Ian stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. “Don’t ever ask me to stay over again p>
Andrea eyes widened, innocent. “Why?” she begged. “At the hospital, you stayed with me all night, and it was fine p>
“Andrea,” Ian said, a flash of fatigue crossed his face. “I stayed at the hospital because it’s public. But here’s your home. A married man staying overnight at some other woman’s place–it doesn’t look good for you p>
Andrea’s smile was fragile, naive. “It’s fine. You’re not someone else‘ to me p>
“No.” Ian’s voice softened, but carried an unyielding authority. “To you, I am p>
Andrea’s expression froze, confusion and a flicker of hurt mixing together.
“Years apart… we’ve really grown distant, haven’t we?” she murmured, a hint of self–deprecation in her tone p>
Ian let out a sigh. “Andrea… I know it hasn’t been easy,” he suggested. “Tomorrow, I’ll arrange a live–in helper for you, a car, and a driver p>
He paused at the door, glancing back one last time. “And also, try to stay away from Chloe as much as possible. Don’t ever show front of her p>
up
in
Andrea’s mouth opened, then closed. “What p>
But lan left no room for argument. “This is non–negotiable,” he added.
He knew Chloe loved him. Every tiny misstep would catch her attention. If the two of them met, Andrea would be at a disadvantage.
Andrea swallowed hard, nodding repeatedly. “Of course. I’ll do as you say. Don’t worry p>
But inside, she felt her heart twisted. ‘What exactly does he mean?‘ she thought to herself.
She could feel the lingering affection in his eyes. Did he despise that she’d been divorced, and that’s why he wouldn’t marry her? Andrea’s mind whirled with anxious guesses.
Satisfied, lan left Andrea’s apartment without a backward glance, and headed straight towards a downtown bar lounge.
An hour later, inside the lounge, lan poured another glass of whiskey while Patrick Lewis walked in.
Patrick was a friend of lan. He had sharp eyes and a sly smile, exuding the easy arrogance of a wealthy playboy.
Flopping onto the sofa across from Ian, he casually propped his legs on the coffee table, and began to study Ian.
“What’s with that face?” he grinned. “Still playing with fire at home p>
Ian swirled the whiskey, his tone tired. “I can’t communicate with Chloe right now p>
As his good friend, Patrick knew about the chaos in lan’s marriage. He smirked knowingly. “Hey, Andrea came back for you. If you don’t make things clear, Chloe will leave you sooner or later p>
“That’s not happening,” said Jan, waving him off.
2:56 PM
Chapter 15
0
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He knew better than anyone. Chloe loved him, and financially, she could never repay the money he’d spent rescuing her family. She was bounded by their marriage.
Ian sneered inside. Chloe had been a full–time wife since graduation, fully detached from any profession. And born with a silver spoon, married into luxury, she couldn’t support herself even if she had a job. He wasn’t worried she’d leave,
But her stubborn streak meant she’d always find a reason to push him. That was the only thing Ian had to worry about.
“Well,” Patrick leaned in, blunt. “I heard she’s already demanding a divorce p>
“Who told you that?” Ian raised an eyebrow. “Was it from Mia? ”
“Care to guess?” Patrick shrugged. “Be careful, Ian. If Chloe actually divorces you, you’ll never find a woman who loves you more p>
Ian’s voice was calm, unwavering. “Relax. Even after you’re six feet under, you won’t see the day Chloe leaves me p>
Patrick rolled his eyes, then switched tactics, “And Andrea, she knows you’re married but still keeps you from explaining. That’s basically baiting you into a divorce p>
Ian’s expression darkened. “Patrick, don’t speak like that about Andrea p>
“Oh?” Patrick leaned back, casual but pointed. “Not talking trash. Just stating facts. She’s testing your marriage, draining your time, money, energy… even your marriage itself. If that’s not scheming, what is p>
Ian didn’t reply. He lit a cigarette. Smoke curled into the dim light, blurring his sharp features. After a long pause, he spoke up.
“Andrea was just too kind,” said Ian. “Back then, she went abroad under pressure to marry someone else so I could inherit Hamilton Group. She had suffered for me and had endured much. That’s what I owe her p>
“She’s from a humble beginning, being mistreated and suffering from severe depression,” he continued. “I have to take care of her p>
“Ian, Patrick raised an eyebrow. “Just admit it. You still have feelings for her p>
“That’s only about responsibility–she nearly ruined her life for me.” Ian frowned. “She fears Chloe would use it against her, or that gossip would make it look like she’s manipulating me to take over my marriage. She did nothing wrong p>
Patrick shot back, “So she won’t let you clarify. She leans on you for everything, drains your money, time, energy, even your marriage … and that’s not scheming p>
Ian’s gaze was steady. “No. I willingly make it up to her p>
“Well, you feel guilty, responsible, still… emotionally attached,” said Patrick. “But Chloe? What did she do wrong? ”
lan exhaled, tired. “No one said she did anything wrong p>
“You didn’t blame her, but you haven’t explained, nor you let her divorce you,” Patrick snapped. “With Chloe’s temper… it’s a miracle she hasn’t blown up p>
A heavy weight pressed on lan’s chest, but he convinced himself it wasn’t that serious. “I promised her she could go find a job,” he replied. “That should lift her mood p>
Patrick’s eyes bored into him. “So you really won’t explain? You’re just relying on her blind love, and letting her suffer all this p>
Jan shook his head, then clinked his glass against Patrick’s. “It’s not as bad as you think. Here, help yourself p>
Just then, Patrick’s phone buzzed. Mia’s frantic voice came through.
“Patrick!” she yelled. “Is Ian with you p>
“Ouch, my ears!” Patrick pulled the phone away slightly, “Mind your manners, Mia p>
“Screw you!” Mia barked back, panicked. “Chloe’s in trouble. Get lan back home now p>
2:56 PM