Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 63:

Rebecca mustered a forced smile. “Yes, Joelle, don’t worry. I ensure our house is thoroughly cleaned daily.”

“Our house?” Joelle couldn’t suppress a smirk at Rebecca’s boldness. “You really don’t see yourself as an outsider, do you?” Joelle mocked.

“Joelle, you must be kidding. Adie said you’re the lady of the house. I hope we can live peacefully.”

“Okay.” Joelle surveyed the immaculate surroundings. Pointing towards the living room, she suggested casually, “Could you please vacuum the living room? Adrian values cleanliness and prefers a dust-free space. It was once my responsibility, but now that you’re here, I’ll entrust it to you.”

Stunned, Rebecca turned to Adrian for support. Adrian remarked nonchalantly, “The doctor said a bit of exercise might help your memory.”

Rebecca kept up her smile, though frustration boiled within her. Why was she being treated as a maid?

“Sure, okay.”

As Rebecca descended the last stair, her legs suddenly buckled. She closed her eyes and collapsed into Adrian’s arms. “Adie, my head… It hurts so much.”noveldrama

Leah snorted quietly, mumbling under her breath, “Her head always hurts. Why not just drop dead already?”

Adrian scooped Rebecca up and made his way upstairs. “Leah, can you handle the vacuuming in the living room?” Leah was left speechless.

Joelle patted her on the shoulder. “There’s no need to clean. I just said that to annoy her.”

Carrying Joelle’s suitcase, Leah asked, “Ma’am, are you really going to stay in the guest room?”

“Yes, please make the arrangements.”

“Okay.” Leah hesitated, wanting to say more, but the fact that Joelle had returned was promising. Everything else could wait. “I’ll prepare something nice for dinner tonight. You’ve lost so much weight. It must have been tough for you.”

Upstairs, Adrian carried Rebecca to her room. He handed her some medication and watched as she took it. “Get some rest. If you need anything, just ask Leah.”

“Adie!” Rebecca propped herself up weakly, her voice frail. “Could you stay with me for a while? I’m scared. What if I faint again? Or worse, what if I die and no one knows?”

“I won’t let you die.”

Rebecca’s heart leapt with joy, and she clutched her forehead. “I know, Adie. You care about me the most.”

“Rebecca.” Adrian’s expression was icy as he regarded her. “Watch your tone when you speak to me. Now that Joelle is back, avoid causing her any distress.”

Confronted with his intense, inscrutable gaze, Rebecca quickly adjusted her stance. “I understand.” Adrian turned and exited the room.

Descending the stairs, he noticed Joelle in the kitchen, assisting Leah with dinner preparations. The pair chatted and laughed, appearing much like a harmonious family. Joelle had a gift for engaging in simple chores and charming others with her grounded demeanor.

Adrian paused at the kitchen doorway. “I’m off to the office now. I’ll return for dinner.”

Joelle’s smile faded instantly. “Bye.”

Adrian’s frown deepened, troubled by her cool demeanor. She exhibited warmth and friendliness to others, so why the distance with him?

“Joelle, what’s with the cold shoulder?”

Joelle continued chopping vegetables, her response nonchalant. “You wanted me back home, but you didn’t specify needing smiles. Want pleasant conversation? Sorry, that’s going to cost you.”

Adrian chuckled dryly. “So, you’ve started putting a price on yourself now? Where’s your pride? Did you discard it?”

“Yes, I discarded it.”

Adrian left for work, his mood somber.

Leah regarded Joelle with newfound respect. “Ma’am, you never used to speak to Mr. Miller like that.”

Joelle placed the knife down, her expression resolute. “I was too accommodating before, which let everyone take advantage of me. From now on, I’m asserting myself and living on my own terms.”

Leah nodded vigorously. “Exactly right! Men are all the same. They only appreciate something once they’ve lost it!”

When Adrian returned from work that evening, he found the dining table laden with an elaborate meal, but only Joelle was present.

He loosened his tie. “Where’s Rebecca?”

Joelle, fork in one hand and knife in the other, cut into her steak.

“Since when does the chauffeur’s daughter dine with us? Is this how you pamper her when I’m not here?” Adrian’s face darkened. “You’re being too harsh. Rebecca is more than just the chauffeur’s daughter.”

Leah, carrying additional dishes from the kitchen, paused as Adrian asked her to summon Rebecca.

Joelle smiled. “Leah, why don’t you join us for dinner too?” Leah looked towards Adrian, uncertain. “Ma’am, I’m content eating in my room.”

Joelle pressed, “If someone who contributes nothing dines at this table, then surely you, who prepared this feast and care for us, deserve a seat here as well.”

Adrian realized Joelle was countering his every move, intentionally complicating matters.

“Leah, please invite Rebecca to join us,” he insisted, pulling out a chair to sit across from Joelle.

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