Marriage Lies and a Dangerous Obsession novel Chapter 217

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Chapter 217

Patrick’s words stabbed into lan’s heart like needles–it hurt so much he could barely stay on his feet.

Without saying a word, he grabbed his coat and stumbled out of the private room.

He knew he owed Chloe, that he was in the wrong.

But letting her go? That was something he just couldn’t do.

lan had no idea how he even made it home.

When he opened the front door, he saw the living room lights were on.

His heart tightened. He tossed his coat aside and hurried into the living room.

In a daze, he thought he saw Chloe in her cartoon pajamas, tossing her pillow aside and running toward him.

“Honey,” Ian called out, his voice trembling.

He opened his arms wide, ready to embrace her.

But his arms closed around nothing–just empty air. There was no one there.

Eyes bloodshot, he slowly looked up. Chloe had disappeared.

Ian instinctively clutched at his shirt over his heart, staggering before he finally dropped onto the sofa.

His eyes were hollow as he stared blankly at the ceiling. Then he pulled out the crystal pendant Chloe had left him, squeezing it in his fist like it was the only thing tethering him to her.

Out of nowhere, a wrenching pain twisted deep in Ian’s chest.

His gut burned so fiercely it felt like he was being gutted alive. He doubled over, hugging himself tight, trying to withstand the agony.

His hands moved automatically, fumbling for his phone. Ian kept tapping Chloe’s contact, over and over, until finally, with a shaky breath, he forced himself to hit call.

Finally, after what felt like forever, she picked up. Jan gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain as he sat up straighter.

Even at this hour, she’s willing to answer my call, lan thought, hope flickering in his heart.

‘I knew it. She’s not really that heartless, he muttered to himself.

He swallowed, struggling to keep the desperation out of his voice. “Chloe, my stomach really hurts.”

Chloe’s voice on the other end was cold as ice. “lan, if you’re really not feeling well, call 911.”

12:53 Sat, Oct 4

Chapter 217

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She paused for a beat before continuing, “lan, let me remind you one last time–we’re divorced. The only reason I haven’t blocked your number is out of respect for your mom and your sister. I’m just trying to spare everyone some dignity.”

She added sharply, “If you call me again over something that isn’t important, don’t blame me when I put you on my blocklist.”

With that, Chloe hung up on him without a hint of hesitation.

The pain in Ian’s body and the agony in his heart crashed together, reaching their breaking point all at once.

His phone slipped from his numb fingers and hit the floor with a thud. Ian squeezed his eyes shut, as if that could block out the burning tears gathering there.

A few days later in the morning, Ian arrived at Carl’s school clutching a bright bouquet of sunflowers.

It was the first day of the SAT, and the school gate was swarming with anxious parents seeing their kids off.

Even in the sea of people, Ian’s eyes locked onto Chloe instantly.

Today, Chloe was rocking a stunning red qipao that hugged her every curve, making her look drop–dead gorgeous and seriously turning heads.

Ian’s gaze zeroed in on Arthur Logan standing right next to Chloe. Instantly, his eyes narrowed, jealousy creeping in beneath his cool facade.

He straightened his tie, drew a steady breath, and walked over to Chloe.

“Uncle, you’re definitely gonna crush the SAT!” Simon piped up, his little face lighting up as he struggled to hold a huge bunch of sunflowers for Carl.

Simon’s tiny arms wrapped around the oversized bouquet, nearly toppling over as he handed the sunflowers to Carl.

Ian’s steps faltered as he saw the sunflowers in Carl’s hands.

His gaze dropped to the bouquet in his own hands, and his face went stiff.

Now, even the flowers in his hands felt like an afterthought–completely unnecessary.

After watching Carl walk into the test hall, Chloe turned back and happened to spot someone familiar in the crowd.

She turned to Arthur, blurting out, “Did I just see Mr. Hamilton?”

Arthur quickly moved to block Chloe’s line of sight, even going up on his tiptoes to make sure she couldn’t see a thing.

He grinned and teased, “Must be your eyes acting up. You definitely saw wrong.”

12:53 Sat, Oct 4

Chapter 217

Philip just smiled and kept his mouth shut, choosing not to get involved.

After splitting up with Arthur at the school gate, Chloe got a lift to the hospital with Philip.

At 8:30 AM, Chloe walked into her office and found Eric waiting for her.

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Eric handed her an invitation. “My sister’s celebrating her eighteenth birthday this weekend–hope you can make it to her party.”

Chloe smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry, Eric. I’ll be there on time.”

‘Man, having money really does make life better,‘ Chloe thought.

Back when she turned eighteen, her parents had really pulled out all the stops with a lavish party.

But when it came to Carl’s eighteenth, all they did was take a family picture and cook up a big feast at home.

It’s not that she and her parents couldn’t afford something fancy for Carl.

But like her mom said, they’re just regular folks now–no need to go overboard.

A few days later, it was Sophie Jordan’s eighteenth birthday–her big coming–of–age celebration.

Chloe brought her brother Carl, and together with Arthur, the three squeezed into one car, heading for the Jordan family’s estate in Verdantville.

At eight that night, the three of them bumped into Philip and his son Simon right at the front gate of the Jordan family home.

Simon spotted Chloe and immediately ran over, throwing his arms around her. “Godmother, you look so pretty today!”

Arthur gave Simon a friendly smack on the butt. “Come on, kid, admit it–did your dad teach you that line?”

Simon turned to his dad and asked, “Dad, doesn’t godmother look really pretty today?”

Philip nodded. “No need to butter her up, Simon–everyone already knows Dr. Irvine is beautiful.”

Chloe knew Philip was just saying that to be polite.

Still, a compliment always lifted her spirits.

Carl bent down and scooped Simon up into his arms. “Come on, tell me I’m handsome!”

Simon wrapped his arms around Carl’s neck, grinning. “Uncle, you’re the handsomest–even more handsome than my dad!”

Arthur tugged gently on Simon’s ear. “Hey, don’t forget about me! Am I not the most handsome guy here?”

Simon didn’t hold back–he started throwing out compliments for Arthur like a pro, making everyone laugh.

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