Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 44:

Adrian detested the feeling of having no control. Since Joelle was his wife, he believed he was entitled to know her whereabouts. Joelle shot back, “Do you inform me every time you go somewhere? Over the past three years, I’ve often only learned about your location through the news!” Adrian retorted, “I’m a man. I don’t need to constantly report my whereabouts. But you’re a woman, and you should understand how dangerous things can get here. Who are you with? Did you bring any bodyguards?”

While Joelle could hear the concern in Adrian’s voice, she felt the double standards were unfair. As his wife, didn’t she deserve to know about his whereabouts as well? “Mr. Miller, I can look after myself. We’re about to get divorced, so let’s not say anything that might be misunderstood.” Adrian stated coldly, “Joelle, I never said I wanted a divorce. That’s your idea. I’ve never agreed to it.”

Joelle’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her composure. “Then do you love me?” There was a brief silence. Finally, Adrian replied without hesitation, “No.” It was the response Joelle had anticipated. She mustered a feeble smile and said, “Then please, let’s respect each other and live our separate lives.” She ended the call and exhaled deeply.

Her reflection stared back at her in the mirror. Well, he never loved her. Whatever. She could live with that. That evening, Joelle decided to have dinner alone. She knew the area well. Before getting married, she had spent an entire year traveling between countries for work, during which her career had thrived. But one day, she was forced to step back from it all.

She glanced down at her right hand. In the square, a violinist played alongside a pianist. Passersby settled on the steps, absorbed in the music. Even amidst the hustle of life, people always found places where their souls could find peace. As Joelle was about to leave, a blond young man tapped her on the shoulder and asked, “Excuse me, are you Joelle Watson?” Surprised to be recognized after three years, Joelle nodded.

The young man’s face beamed with excitement. “Oh, my God! I’m so thrilled! I’m a huge fan of yours! I’ve attended every one of your concerts! Could I take a picture with you?” “Of course.” Joelle carefully placed an arm around his shoulder, though he maintained a respectful distance. His friend took the picture. “I really love your music. Your performances are mesmerizing. I’ve been puzzled about why you disappeared three years ago. I even traveled to your country three times hoping to catch your performance again but to no avail,” the boy expressed tearfully. Moved by his enthusiasm, Joelle felt a poignant reminder of her past.noveldrama

Just then, applause erupted behind them. The violin and piano duet had ended. Joelle smiled at the young man. “Wait here for a moment.” She quickly went to borrow the violin from its owner. The young man covered his mouth, overwhelmed with emotion, as Joelle, feeling both nervous and excited, began to play. Her wrist still ached faintly, but the joy of the moment made the pain bearable. It was a simple piece, but Joelle was drenched in sweat by the time she finished. The audience gave a huge round of applause.

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The young man was too moved to speak. Joelle smiled and opened her arms to give him a hug. In a voice only they could hear, she whispered, “Thank you for your unwavering support. You probably noticed—I can’t play like I used to anymore. I hope I didn’t disappoint you.” The young man, perhaps touched by his own connection to music or inspired by Joelle’s past encouragement, shook his head. Then, with tears streaming down his face, he hugged her tightly.

Standing in the shadows, Michael glanced awkwardly at Adrian. “Come on. He’s probably just an overexcited fan of hers.” The two had come to the area for dinner. When they heard the sound of a violin, Michael had urged Adrian to come and watch. To their surprise, it was Joelle performing. Although the piece was not particularly complex, Joelle’s expertise and performance experience had made it a visual and auditory delight.

Adrian was captivated by the woman on stage. Her smile was as serene and lovely as a lily swaying in the breeze. Everything was going smoothly until the blond young man approached Joelle, hugged her, and cried his heart out. Michael was about to make another comment to lighten the mood when Adrian’s face clouded over, and he marched toward the spotlight. “Excuse me. She’s my wife. Could you please let go?” Adrian wrapped his arm around Joelle. He had a polite smile for the sake of appearances, yet his eyes betrayed his irritation. Joelle was taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated Adrian appearing just then.

The young man quickly realized his mistake and apologized profusely before leaving with his friend. After they left, Joelle noticed Adrian’s hand still resting on her shoulder. Annoyed, she shrugged it off, her expression turning icy. To onlookers, they were probably thinking the two were having a small quarrel. The square buzzed with activity around them. Joelle and Adrian stood face to face, a fountain at their feet poised as if ready to burst to life. “Adrian, are you jealous?”

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