Marriage Lies and a Dangerous Obsession novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

lan stood outside the master bedroom, staring at the closed door.

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Chloe words from the hospital kept ringing in his head. Annoyance churned in his chest. He turned and went to the study, lighting a cigarette.

One, then another. He let the smoke carry away the frustration—or at least try to.

Late into the night, he finally retrieved the bedroom key and stepped inside.

The bedside lamp cast a soft glow. He sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to wake Chloe. Slowly, he fastened a diamond–studded bracelet around her wrist.

Then, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, and watched her sleep for a while before he finally went to shower.

The next morning, Chloe stirred in Ian’s arms, With a slight grimace, she slipped free, grabbed her phone, and glanced at the time.

It was already eight, and it was Thursday. But Ian hadn’t gone to the office.

Chloe hummed. He must have come back late last night after tending to Andrea.

She set her phone down–and froze. A diamond bracelet was right on her wrist.

Recognizing the bracelet from last week’s charity auction, Chloe reached for the clasp to take it off.

But Ian, already woke up, suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her still. She squirmed, then he tightened his grip.

Her back pressed against his chest. The thin fabric of sleepwear separated them, but the heat between them was undeniable.

“The night you threatened me… I bought this for you at the auction,” said Ian, taking her hands in his, voice low and husky. “It’s one of a kind. The only one in the world.”

Chloe tilted her head, her heart aching. Ian hadn’t gone to Andrea that night. He’d gone for her.

Their eyes met. Ian leaned down and brushed a kiss against the corner of her mouth. But Chloe jerked awake and shoved him away.

He bought her the bracelet, so what? Chloe chuckled bitterly inside. That didn’t change the fact that he’d reconciled with his first love, or that they had a son.

She stood up, then retreated to the bathroom to freshen up. Ian followed her.

At the double sink, the contrast was stark: her toothbrush white, his green. Her cup disposable, his the usual office mug. No matching towels–just single–use washcloths.

Jan lowered his gaze, staring at the guest slippers on him and the cartoon ones on Chloe.

He then stared at their reflection in the mirror. Since Chloe had smashed everything in the house that day, their marriage felt like this- mismatched, functional, but barely holding together.

“I’m skipping the office today,” Ian spoke up after brushing, handing Chloe a face towel. “Shall we go to the supermarket later?”

Chloe snatched another face towel by herself, and then started to leave. “I don’t need anything. Buy whatever you want.”

She hadn’t taken two steps when he spun her around, lifting her onto the counter. He parted her legs slightly, holding her in place.

“Chloe, look at us…” murmured Jan. “Do we even look like a married

d couple right now?”

Chloe met his gaze without flinching. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted? Keep appearances at home while having affairs outside.”

Jan opened his mouth to speak up, but just then, his phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at it, then turned it screen–down.

“Relax, Chloe scoffed. “I won’t touch your phone ever again.”

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2:58 PM P

Chapter 25

Jan studied her, expression softening, and drew her into his arms.

“Can we not do this?” he murmured.

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Chloe closed her eyes, hiding the ache. If only she hadn’t loved him so fiercely. If only she hadn’t insisted on marrying him… maybe she

wouldn’t hurt this much.

“We weren’t supposed to be like this,” she admitted, opening her eyes to meet lan’s gaze again.

Jan eased back slightly, stroking her face. “If I’d cheated,” he said softly, “I’d make space for you. I don’t explain because I haven’t.”

“You haven’t yet,” Chloe cut him off. “You’re just afraid I’d ruin your reputation.”

“No.” Ian pressed his forehead to hers. “If I could cheat, I could handle the aftermath. I’d never let myself be caught off guard. You know

that.”

Chloe looked down, silent. He was right. Ian was a businessman. He always did the calculation.

“Trust me,” lan released her just enough, leaning close. “Just trust me, and I promise our marriage won’t fall apart.”

Chloe hesitated. “You’re not worthy of my trust

The air thickened, then Chloe shoved him. “If there’s nothing left to say, put me down.”

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