Marriage Lies and a Dangerous Obsession novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81

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Chloe stood in the doorway, her face burning with shame, yet she held back and endured it all.

Thinking of her mother still lying in that hospital bed, Chloe pressed her lips together, summoned all her willpower, and finally managed to step inside.

When Chloe came in of her own accord, Ian smoothly drew her close, his arm wrapping possessively around her shoulders.

Ian didn’t bother closing the door just yet. He simply asked, “Have you made up your mind?”

Her emotions churned inside, but Chloe held herself back. She didn’t push Ian away.

With a satisfied glance at Chloe, Ian shut the door and brought her to the kitchen doorway. “Cora heard you were coming back tonight, so she steamed some fish especially for you,” he announced.

Cora, busy in the kitchen, quickly wiped her hands and hurried out. “Chloe, food’s almost ready. Why don’t you just sit back and relax for a bit?”

Chloe glanced up at Ian, trying to read his expression.

Cora had been working at The Old Hamilton Manor for over twenty years. She’d watched both Chloe and Ian

grow up.

‘So lan really does believe I’ll cave in, no matter what. Chloe thought, a bitter twist to her lips.

Chloe couldn’t help but ask, though she already knew the answer herself, “Why are you so sure I’d come back tonight?”

Ian led Chloe into the bedroom and, wordlessly, took her coat and hung it up for her.

He turned back to face her, his voice steady and sure. “I believe you’ll make the wisest choice.”

Chloe stood in front of Ian, looking completely defeated.

She said softly, “I’m back now. Will you contact Professor Sutton for my mom?”

Ian didn’t even pause–he just whipped out his phone and called right in front of Chloe.

When he hung up, lan said, “Turns out Professor Sutton’s in Kingsford visiting family, so he’ll show up at the hospital in just twenty minutes.”

Chloe sneered to herself, cold amusement flickering in her heart.

‘Figures, she mused.

Ian had this move planned from the start, just waiting for her to cave in.

‘Miranda’s got it right.‘ Chloe thought, the words lingering in her mind.

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Chapter 81

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I’m not the one who messed up. Why should I sacrifice my whole future for a guy like lan? she told herself, bitterness rising in her chest.

From now on, this marriage is just a transaction–no love, just interests. Chloe realized, her heart growing colder with each word.

Chloe didn’t hesitate, making her demands clear. “So, when exactly are you planning to withdraw your lawsuit against me?

Ian said nothing and quietly guided her into the bedroom, his grip on her hand never wavering until they were inside.

Once they were there, lan released her hand and said casually, “No rush. We’ll get to that after dinner.”

The way lan stayed so laid–back just got on Chloe’s nerves.

She couldn’t help but raise her voice. “Ian, are you messing with me again or what?”

Ian let out a sigh, pulling her close and gently smoothing her hair with his hand.

His deep eyes brimmed with warmth, waves of tenderness flooding through.

Towering over Chloe, Ian looked down at her flushed, indignant face, his gaze filled with a tenderness so intense it seemed to engulf her entirely.

Ian leaned in, gently drawing Chloe into his embrace. “You’re my wife, Chloe. Why would I ever play games with you?”

His warm hand settled on her back, and he murmured softly, “As long as you’re living in this house–as long as you’re my wife–whatever comes your way, I’ll be the one to bear it all.”

Ian’s tone grew gentle without him meaning to. “Come on, let’s have dinner first. We’ll talk about everything afterward.”

His tone made it sound like a negotiation, but there was no room for disagreement–this was Ian laying down the law.

Chloe simply let Jan take her hand and lead her into the dining room.

‘Ruthless and calculating as ever–classic Ian, Chloe thought, lips curving in a bitter smirk.

‘He plays dirty, but those sweet words could almost fool anyone,‘ she scoffed inwardly.

‘Honestly, if I hadn’t lived it myself, I might’ve actually bought it. Chloe reflected.

Once they sat down, Jan accepted the steaming bowl of soup from Cora, tested it carefully with his fingertips to make sure it wasn’t too hot, then held it out to Chloe, his eyes gentle with concern.

When Chloe didn’t reach for it, Ian quietly set the bowl down right in front of her, not rushing, his patience showing in every movement.

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Chapter 81

Ian said, “If you really can’t handle this, the door’s still open for you.”

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His tone was soft as velvet, but every word landed like a blow–unyielding, impossible to argue

with.

Chloe forced herself to reach for the spoon, struggling to hold herself together–but no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t get a single bite down.

Just then, lan’s phone buzzed on the table.

Ian glanced at the caller ID–Andrea’s name flashed on the screen. Then, without missing a beat, he shot Chloe a look, his expression unreadable.

After a brief pause, Ian answered the call right in front of Chloe, not bothering to hide it.

Chloe sat in silence at the dinner table, trying to block out Ian’s gentle voice on the phone. Her fingers wrapped so tightly around the spoon that they began to shake, the tremor betraying just how tense she really felt inside.

‘From now on, every single day would be just like this–with no escape,‘ Chloe thought, the despair pressing down on her chest.

She’d have to tolerate Andrea and her son constantly invading every part of her married life, never getting a moment’s peace.

Just like those high society wives, she’d have to turn a blind eye to her husband’s affairs, pretending nothing was happening at all.

All for a little more personal gain, they choked back their grievances, never complained or caused a fuss. It was always up to them to keep their husbands looking respectable, and to help clean up whatever PR messes he managed to get himself into.

Chloe didn’t say a word, didn’t even react.

She just picked up the soup bowl and took a sip, going through the motions like she was on autopilot- completely numb inside.

“This is the choice he made, Chloe thought, her heart heavy with resignation.

‘And this is the price I have to pay for loving Ian,‘ she told herself, letting that bitter truth sink in.

Ian watched Chloe calmly, taking in her every subtle move without showing any emotion. After a moment, he decisively hung up the phone.

For all the effort put into the lavish dinner spread, both Chloe and Ian barely ate a thing.

After dinner, lan led Chloe into the study.

Chloe finally lost her composure. Her voice trembled with frustration as she demanded, “Ian, I need you to drop the lawsuit right now–and publicly set the record straight about my case.”

Ian gave Chloe a measured look, then deliberately took a contract out of the drawer and placed it on the desk.

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Chapter 81

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With deliberate calm, he said, “Sign this agreement, and whatever you want–no exceptions–I’ll make it happen.”

Chloe flipped open the file–it was a marriage contract.

The first clause? If either one of them filed for divorce while they were still married, they’d have to pay the other a ridiculous amount in compensation.

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