Marriage Lies and a Dangerous Obsession novel Chapter 270

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The necklace around Chloe’s neck was put on her by lan himself when they got divorced.

She’d taken it off once. Whatever it was that triggered Ian, he stormed into the hospital, dragged her back home, and didn’t settle down until he’d clasped that necklace around her neck himself.

Since then, Chloe had kept wearing it, just so Ian wouldn’t lose it on her again. But that day, the necklace. snapped and slipped straight down the drain before she even had time to react.

Chloe turned off the faucet and stood there in a daze, uneasy and restless.

At the exact same moment, Ian stood at his own bathroom sink, mirroring Chloe’s posture. He’d just finished showering, wearing a dark bathrobe, water droplets still trickling from his damp bangs.

lan shaved with careful precision, his hair styled in a flawless side part, every strand meticulously in place. Just yesterday, he’d gotten a haircut–his temples now cleanly trimmed, looking a lot sharper than before.

He stepped into his dressing room, where a long table was laid out with an array of beautifully wrapped

presents.

Today was Chloe’s birthday. Even though he had no right to show up at her party, he still wanted to look his best.

Chloe used to tease him, saying all his suits were way too businesslike and made him look ancient.

After they got married, she went out of her way to pick up all sorts of casual suits for him. Ian picked out one of those casual suits and changed into it.

Standing in front of the mirror, he carefully fastened his cufflinks, slipped on his watch, and tied his tie. Then he tucked the crystal pendant Chloe had given him into his pocket.

As he turned, he accidentally knocked a gift box off the table. Almost on reflex, Ian reached out to grab the gift box, but in his haste, the crystal pendant slipped right out of his pocket and hit the floor.

Before he even realized it, his foot came down hard on it. The sound of crystal cracking was faint, but lan heard it clear as day. He froze, then quickly pulled his foot back.

The crystal glass protecting that baby photo inside had shattered, splintering into pieces. lan stood there, completely stunned, his eyes glued to the fragments of the crystal pendant. It felt like his heart had shattered along with it, piece by piece.

A searing pain suddenly tore through Jan’s heart, leaving him breathless. Ian doubled over and grabbed the edge of the table to steady himself.

The taste of blood hit his tongue, and before he knew it he was coughing up a mouthful of red. His whole body shuddered, blood spilling from his lips nonstop,

A wave of dizziness crashed over him, his strength draining all at once. With a dull thud, Ian slumped to one knee on the floor. He was so out of it, he couldn’t even tell where the pain in his body was coming from

anymore.

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Chapter 270

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His hands trembled as he scooped up the shattered crystal pendant. With bloodshot eyes, looking almost deranged, he tried desperately to piece them together.

Ian kept trying for what felt like forever. The more he struggled, the more panicked and heartbroken he became, until it all just twisted into utter helplessness.

But in the end, no matter how many times he tried, he couldn’t put the pendant back to the way it was before.

Ian slumped against the table leg, a complete wreck. He tipped his head back, and tears streamed down his face–silent, unstoppable.

He thought. ‘Even the universe has had enough of me screwing things up. It wanted to punish me, to take away the only thing Chloe ever left me.’

Ian’s eyes, filled with pain, became hollow and lifeless. He picked up his phone and started calling people one by one.

He told Mia he wasn’t coming in today and she’d need to handle things herself at work. He told Miranda not to worry, he just wanted to take a break and rest for a while.

Finally, he called Patrick. “When you get to Chloe’s birthday party, don’t forget to show me a picture, alright?”

“Bet she’s in a dress tonight,‘ Ian thought, ‘she must look absolutely stunning!’

*****

It was just before seven in the evening. Arthur had gone all out, personally arranging Chloe’s birthday party.

Chloe had no idea why she felt so scatterbrained today. No matter what she did, she just couldn’t seem to

concentrate.

When it came time for her birthday party, she didn’t go overboard. She simply picked a stylish V–neck mesh dress, fitted black top paired with a smoky gray chiffon skirt.

It struck the perfect balance–subtle charm, a touch of allure, with hints of both romance and elegance.

Her makeup was minimal, almost invisible, and she let her long hair down, naturally loose and softly wavy without any extra styling. Whether it was her clothes or her whole vibe, everything about Chloe tonight was refreshingly understated.

Arthur, dressed to impress–seriously, he looked like he just stepped out of a magazine–totally stole the spotlight standing next to Chloe.

He shot her a lazy side–eye. “Chloe, did you really have to go this undercover tonight?”

Chloe glanced at Arthur, barely processing his comment. She said, “Guess I’ve been running on empty lately. Not sleeping great, and honestly, just too tired to care.”

Philip softly reassured her, “That whole issue’s in the past now. Nothing unexpected is going to happen. Just rest assured.”

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Chapter 270

Chloe bowed her head, then nodded slightly.

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Philip arrived with Simon a whole hour before the party started and spent a good while keeping Chloe

company

“You go ahead. I’ll take Simon to the restroom.” Once guests started to arrive, Philip gave the restroom excuse and took Simon away from Chloe.

Friends and family started arriving to celebrate Chloe’s birthday, and she gave her head a little shake, trying to perk herself up. But she hadn’t expected Margaret to show up.

Margaret, as polished as ever, handed Chloe a gift and said, “Ms. Irvine, I hope you won’t kick me out for coming uninvited?”

Chloe accepted the gift. “Thank you. I’m honestly flattered.”

The two of them exchanged a smile.

Margaret couldn’t help but praise her. “Dr. Irvine, you’re truly the most impressive woman I’ve ever met.”

But Chloe thought there was still so much she could learn from Margaret–this woman always knew how to handle any situation, was wicked smart, and never lost her cool.

Margaret didn’t stick around for long; she went off to catch up with some acquaintances.

When Chloe saw Julian walk in, she made a beeline for him. “Sir Julian.”

Julian towered over everyone, sporting a black suit jacket and a ridiculously deep burgundy V–neck shirt. Every move he made offered a glimpse of those lean abs.

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