Marriage Lies and a Dangerous Obsession novel Chapter 118

Chapter 118

In the bathroom next door, lan stood under the cold spray of the shower, turning the water colder and colder in a futile attempt to numb his emotions.

He pressed his palms hard against the tiled wall, head bowed, shoulders sagging, every inch of him weighted with crushing exhaustion and frustration.

Chloe hated him.

She hated his threats, his manipulation, his betrayal.

Ian stood under the cold water for a long time, trying to calm himself.

When he finally stepped out of the bathroom, towel around his waist, the gift box in hand, Chloe was already

in bed.

Their

eyes met in silence. Ian set the gift on the nightstand and climbed into bed without a word.

Chloe could sense how agitated Ian was.

She asked, “What about the meds I prepared for you today?”

“Forgot them at the office,” Ian muttered.

“Oh,” Chloe said, turning off her phone before curling up in bed. “Just make do with a sleeping pill tonight.”

Ian just stayed silent..

With strained patience, Ian reached for the gift box and turned to face Chloe.

Chloe rolled over, deliberately turning her back to him. “I have to get up early tomorrow. I’m going to sleep

now.”

Ian stood there stiffly, still clutching the gift, his eyes fixed on Chloe’s back, not moving an inch.

As Chloe’s breathing grew steady, Ian’s face grew darker, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

With a sharp thud, lan tossed the gift onto the nightstand,

With her eyes still closed, Chloe reminded him, “If you’re going to throw something away, at least use the trash can. Cora’s getting older, and it’s not fair to make her clean up after you.”

Ian just stayed silent.

All night, Ian lay awake, tossing and turning, feeling like he wasn’t even himself anymore.

Chloe slept soundly beside him, totally unaware, and slept right through until morning.

*****

19:05 Fri, Oct 3

Chapter 118

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Later that morning, in the hospital’s treatment room, Chloe was giving Arthur a physical therapy session.

The spacious room was filled with the calming aroma of Chloe’s signature blend of herbal incense, and the deep, soothing hum of a singing bowl filled the air, helping Arthur unwind completely,

Arthur had just showered and changed into clean, loose–fitting pajamas before lying down on the treatment table.

While getting everything ready for the treatment, Chloe asked Arthur, “When you bought that place, were there any other floors in our unit still up for sale?”

“Just the eighteenth floor was empty,” Arthur said.

Chloe nodded. “As long as you’re good and work with me during therapy, I’ll cook for you at my place this weekend.”

On the weekend, Chloe and Cora made a run to the farmer’s market and came back loaded with groceries.

Ian leaned against the kitchen doorway, dressed in dark comfy clothes.

Chloe called out to him, “Go get changed. I’ve got people coming over soon.”

Ian’s face was stormy. “Chloe, come here. I need to talk to you.”

With that, he turned and walked into the living room.

Chloe exchanged a look with Cora before setting down what she was doing and heading after him.

Ian stared straight into Chloe’s eyes. “Why did you buy the apartment upstairs on the eighteenth floor? What are you planning?”

Chloe lowered her gaze.

She’d used Ian’s card to buy the apartment, so he should’ve gotten a notification three days ago.

She thought, ‘I can’t believe he held out for three days before bringing it up.

Chloe flashed Ian a secretive smile. “It’s a surprise I’ve been working on for you. You’ll see soon enough.”

She turned to head back to the kitchen, but lan stepped in front of her, his face dark and unreadable.

They stared at each other in silence for a moment before Chloe let out a sigh.

She coaxed and nudged lan toward the bedroom. “For now, you’re still my husband. My friends are coming over today, so try to look sharp. Just humor me, alright?”

Ian paused at the bedroom door, his gaze intense, full of unspoken questions as he looked at Chloe. “Do you really mean that?”

Chloe nodded seriously.

19:05 Fri, Oct 3

Chapter 118

Ian paused, uncertain for a moment, then headed into the bedroom to change.

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By six o’clock, almost all the food was ready. Chloe slipped into her room, took a quick shower, and came our in fresh clothes.

Cora came over and asked, “Chloe, if we have a lot of guests, should I set up the big Chinese dining table?”

Chloe nodded. “Cora, remember to grab a couple bottles of juice for the kids.”

Cora turned and went off to take care of it.

Chloe headed to the study door.

Ian had been sulking in there alone all day, and she seriously had no clue what he was up to.

She hesitated for a second, then knocked and called out, “Ian?”

Ian stepped out, looking a little lost. “The guests are here already?”

Chloe slipped her arm through his and dragged him out to the living room. “You’re supposed to be the man of the house! Can’t believe you’re trying to hide out when I’ve got guests over.”

Ian stared at Chloe, her eyes sparkling with laughter, his brows furrowing in concern.

He took her hand, his voice low as he asked, “Are you hiding something from me?”

Chloe just grinned, teasing him, “I told you, it’s a surprise! Be patient, will you?”

Ian watched her adorably silly smile, feeling even more unsettled inside.

It had been ages since he’d seen Chloe smile so freely, without a care in the world.

Just then the doorbell rang, and Cora went to open it.

Chloe spotted Patrick walking in with a gift and rushed over, all smiles. “Pat!”

Patrick handed her the gift. “Congrats on the promotion, Ms. Irvine.”

Chloe blushed, a little embarrassed at Patrick’s teasing. “Come on, Pat, you know I’ll always be your kid sister -don’t mess with me.”

They went on chatting and laughing as they walked to the living room, but the moment Patrick saw lan, his expression immediately turned ice–cold.

Ian threw Patrick a cold sideways glance and ignored him completely.

Chloe nudged Ian’s ankle with her foot and quietly reminded him, “Honey, give me some face, okay?”

Ian looked up into Chloe’s pleading eyes, kept a poker face, and poured some tea before handing it to Patrick.

Patrick shot Ian a look of annoyance, took a sip, and complained, “Mr. Hamilton, tea only tastes good when

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