Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Chloe sneered. It turned out Ian was here to give her a piece of their mind.
A spark of anger shot through her, but she forced herself to stay composed. She didn’t want to blow up in front of Ian.
“I admit it,” she confessed quietly. “I told Mia to find Andrea p>
Mia had acted on her behalf, trying to protect her. And Ian, doting on Andrea as he did, must have been heartbroken.
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Chloe didn’t want Mia dragged into her mess. She didn’t want to get anyone else caught in the crossfire. That was why she’d confessed.
But apologizing to Andrea? Not a chance at all.
They stared at each other, tension crackling like static. Ian’s eyes softened slightly as he studied her expression.
“Since you admitted it, just go apologize to Andrea,” he commanded.
Chloe felt her eyes sting. She bristled, standing tall despite her frustration.
“Ian,” she said, voice tight, “I don’t care how much you love her. As long as you’re married to me, you and Andrea are in the wrong, and Clint is your illegitimate child. A wife apologizing to a mistress? Don’t you think that’s ridiculous p>
Ian’s brow furrowed. “Chloe, don’t speak so harshly. Andrea isn’t a mistress. ”
“Oh, right. The one who isn’t loved is always the mistress, huh?” Chloe let out a bitter laugh. “To you, I’m the mistress p>
lan rubbed his temple, exhausted. He stepped closer. “Chloe, that’s not what I meant p>
Chloe stepped back, evading his outstretched hand.
“Look, if you love her so much, why not just divorce me and marry her?” she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. “I’d let you have her, I’d sign IOUS, I’d step aside. Whatever you wanted p>
Ian’s expression darkened, his eyes unreadable.
“It’s not the right time for a divorce,” he said. “Not yet p>
“Not yet?” Chloe’s chest got slammed with the weight of that statement. “You sound so formal, huh p>
Seeing her tense, Ian pressed on. “Andrea’s very upset now. Go apologize. Calm her down a bit, or she’ll be scared p>
The tenderness in his tone stabbed Chloe like fire. The more her heart ached, the colder her outward composure became.
“Sure, I can apologize as the weak, righted wife to the mistress,” Chloe shot back. “How about we make it a press conference? Public apology, front–page news. You up for that, Mr. Hamilton p>
“Don’t call me like that,” Ian’s jaw tightened. “I’m your husband p>
Chloe tilted her head, avoiding his eyes. “From the moment you left me in the rain to greet Andrea and Clint at the airport, you’re not my husband anymore p>
“You know I hate being threatened,” lan’s voice grew dangerous.
“Fine. If no press conference, I’ll apologize here, in front of everyone,” Chloe’s emotions spilled over, and her eyes reddened. “I’ll say it loud and clear: I, Mrs. Hamilton, out of jealousy, ruined the mistress’s home, sent her to the hospital, and now my husband is making ine apologize p>
With that, she stormed toward the door. Ian grabbed her by the waist, spinning her around to face him. He held her close, not letting go.
“Chloe, I’m talking to you calmly,” said Ian. “Can you stop blowing up over every little thing p>
Just then, a knock came at the door. Jan lowered his voice. “We’ll handle that later. Rest for now. You’ve still got work today p>
He hugged her once, then let her go. “I’ll get you something to eat. Cool off a bit. Okay p>
Before Chloe could fully process, he left, letting her collapse into the chair.
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Chapter 23
He hadn’t stopped pressing because he cared about Andrea, nor out of consideration. Chloe was sure of this.
He was protecting Andrea, his reputation, and the Hamilton family’s interests.
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In a public place like the hospital, if Chloe lost it and everyone found out about his affair–or that Andrea was here–the biggest loss would be his.
After a long while, Chloe finally felt a bit of composure return. Ian had brought lunch, but after he left, she tossed it straight into the
trash.
By 5:30 pm, Chloe was off duty.
John didn’t have night shifts, so she didn’t have to stay in the hospital late. She planned to visit her parents the next day.
Just as she was about to leave with her coworkers, Andrea stepped in front of her in the hospital lobby. “Dr. Irvine, moment?” she asked.
may I have a
Andrea didn’t call her “Mrs. Hamilton“. She kept things formal with “Dr. Irvine.” Chloe sighed inwardly. She didn’t want private issues spilling into work.
She stopped with her colleague beside her. “Go ahead,” she said coldly.
Andrea bowed slightly, speaking directly in front of Chloe’s coworkers. “I heard you’re off tomorrow, so I rushed over to apologize. ”
Chloe’s eyes swept over her. Poised like a dancer, decent height, strong presence—just slightly off in facial symmetry.
She remained silent, prompting Andrea to continue. “I know Mia acted on your behalf, but this all started because of me,” said Andrea. “I sincerely apologize. Let’s never bring it up again, shall we p>
As if recalling something, Andrea added, “I just returned to Kingsford. I don’t know many people here, but I’d like to be friends with you p>
Chloe’s expression stayed neutral. “Ms. Sherman, having Ian as a ‘friend‘ beats a thousand others. Don’t bother with me p>
She tried to walk away. Andrea grabbed her sleeve. “Wait, Dr. Irvine, I can explain. You’ve got the wrong idea about Ian and me p>
Chloe yanked free impatiently and in the next instant, Andrea tumbled to the ground with a heavy thud.
Passersby quickly gathered, curious to see what was happening.
“Andrea!” Ian barreled in with the payment slip, crouching beside her to check for injuries.
“Ian…” tears welled in Andrea’s eyes. “I just wanted to apologize to Dr. Irvine. I didn’t expect her to be so angry p>
Without a word, Ian scooped Andrea up in his arms, glaring coldly at Chloe.
“Chloe, you’re a doctor yourself,” he demanded sharply. “And you’re pushing a patient this fragile p>
Chloe gave up explaining. Great, now she was living a cliche from a romance novel in real life. Her eyes lingered on Andrea in lan’s
arms.
“Listen, lan,” she warned, expression flat, “she got herself into this. If she came to me, a push is nothing. I should have slapped her in the face and taught her a lesson p>
Andrea winced under the stares around her. “My leg hurts. Can you take me back to the ward, Ian p>
Ian didn’t argue. He turned and carried her away.
“Those two… are they dating?” Chloe’s colleague shook her head. “Why act like that toward you p>
“Sort of,” Chloe blinked, gathering herself, voice even. “They’re married p>
Several steps ahead, lan paused mid–stride, hearing her words.
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