Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Chloe could tell from Ian’s expression that he had something on his mind.
But instead of speaking, he entered the bedroom, shot her a fleeting glance, and strode straight to the bathroom.
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The sound of running water filled the room, sharp and insistent, drowning out her thoughts. Chloe’s hands tightened around her book, but the words blurred.
With a frustrated sigh, she closed her laptop, stacked the papers neatly on the bedside table, and leaned back against the pillows, waiting
in silence.
Showering immediately after returning home was Ian’s habit–one he had maintained for as long as she could remember.
Somewhere along the way, Chloe had unconsciously started following the same rhythm.
She liked the scent of Ian’s hug, and the warmth of being held in his arms as she slept.
She remembered the happiest moments, the nights when she would beg him to hold her, whispering that she couldn’t bear to sleep
alone.
But since the day she discovered his affair, those nights had been spent in agony, tossing and turning, sleepless and alone.
Even if she loved Ian to the core of her being, she could endure the pain while preparing herself to leave him.
Ian stepped out of the bathroom in dark pajamas, water droplets glistening on his skin. Chloe, lost in thought, barely noticed him.
His gaze swept over the stack of medical materials on the bedside table. Slowly, he flipped through a few pages before sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Picking up the medical books again?” his voice was calm but edged with something Chloe couldn’t quite place.
Chloe didn’t answer, but Ian continued. He reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
“Want me to find someone to transfer you to a less demanding position?” he asked.
Chloe shook her head. “My parents had already moved out from your apartment,” she said. “They had it cleaned, and the door code wasn’t changed. They told me to let you know that you can take it back p>
lan’s expression remained unreadable. “Where did they move to? ”
“By Riverside Drive, close to my dad’s factory,” Chloe replied candidly.
“That’s a relocation apartment, right?” Ian frowned. “I’m the heir to the Hamilton Group. It’s not suitable for them to live in a place like
that p>
Chloe met his stare evenly. “We don’t want to owe you anything p>
Ian’s voice was measured, eyes sharp. “The Irvine family has owed me enough already, don’t you think p>
They locked eyes. The tension was heavy and suffocating. Chloe lowered hers, feeling the familiar sting of embarrassment.
After a long silence, Ian sighed, finally breaking it.
“Chloe, as long as you hold the title of Mrs. Hamilton, you have access to all my resources, all my assets,” he said.
Chloe couldn’t stay composed. The words tumbled out before she could stop them, “I don’t want your money anymore. I want a divorce p>
lan’s eyes didn’t flicker. “Divorce? Anytime,” he said. “Once you can pay back the money p>
Chloe collapsed against the pillows, heart shattering.
Twenty years of devotion, and three years of marriage—yet lan left no room for mercy. To her, there were only cold, measured terms. She wanted to cry but couldn’t.
Chapter 18
Chloe looked up, locking eyes with him. Her silence had already answered the question.
Ian voice dropped a few degrees. “What exactly did you say to her p>
Chloe caught the faint trace of concern in his eyes–but it wasn’t for her. It was for Andrea.
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Infuriated, she shot up, shoving him hard. “On what grounds are you questioning me?” she raised her voice. “My husband… or her lover p>
Ian’s brow furrowed. “I warned you not to see her p>
Chloe’s chest felt tight. “I wasn’t that reckless! ”
“You don’t understand,” Ian cut her off. “Because of you, she almost had an accident p>
Chloe laughed bitterly. She had simply greeted her at the hospital. Nothing more.
Exhausted, she sank onto the bed, voice raw. “So you dropped everything and flew back overnight, just to see Andrea p>
Ian’s irritation was visible as he stood, looming over her. “I know your temper,” he replied. “Andrea is fragile, and she has a child. I can’t
risk another incident p>
Chloe lost control. She grabbed a pillow, flinging it at him. “You bastard!” she screamed.
Ian bent and picked up the pillow, but Chloe wasn’t done. She snatched a book from the bedside table and hurled it at him.
“You cheated on me, betrayed me. How can you care about her like this?” she cried out. “How can you be so cold–blooded p>
lan sidestepped with ease, his composure unshaken. When she lunged for her laptop, he stepped forward and caught her hands, taking away the laptop. “Enough venting? ”
Chloe’s emotions spilled over. She screamed, throwing and smashing everything in reach.
“If you have the guts, protect them twenty–four–seven. Or every time I see her, I’ll slap her in the face!” she barked. “The Irvine family’s already ruined! Fine–let’s go all in. I want everyone to know you betrayed me, and I’ll teach that little mistress a hard lesson p>
Chloe flailed, but Ian held her firmly, preventing her from falling.
She bit into his shoulder with all her strength, trembling violently. He winced, but didn’t move. Only when her jaw slackened did she
release him.
“Alright… relax. I’ll get you some water,” Ian said softly.
He let Chloe lie down on the bed. After a few minutes, he returned with some water, helping her rinse her mouth.
Chloe’s outburst left her hollow, numb. She rinsed, lay back, eyes closed, but the tears continued to flow.
Since Ian’s affair, every fight followed this same pattern. He pushed her to the brink, then either cared for her as if nothing happened or simply left.
He had no explanation nor tenderness. There was only his duty as a husband.
After tidying up, lan got into bed and switched off the lights, then he reached out for
Chloe pushed him away without a second thought. He paused, then turned onto his side, back facing her,
This small gesture ignited a storm inside Chloe, but she swallowed it, pressing her lips tight, holding in the grief.
After every fight, there were no words left between them. Even lying in the same bed, Chloe knew one thing for certain, that Ian’s heart was a world away.
His silence, his refusal to explain, was a wall–growing higher with each passing moment, driving them further apart.