Dear Wife, I Hate You (by Josephine Mbanefo) novel Chapter 36

Nolan’s Pov

What? What does she mean he kissed her last night?

Why would Killian even do that?

Yes, they’re married, but he doesn’t love her. He’s made that very clear.

Is he trying to mess with her feelings now? Use her? And then dump her like she’s nothing?

I looked at her, and she repeated it again, “Did you hear what I said?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I heard.”

She looked a bit unsure. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

I shook my head quickly. “No, no. It’s nothing.”

But it was something.

I didn’t like the way it made me feel.

“So… what’s the problem now?” I asked.

She sighed. “He kissed me. Then pushed me away. I didn’t ask for it. And now I feel like I’m the one at fault.”

I shook my head. “You’re not.”

And I meant it.

“You’re not the problem, Lilith. I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but it’s not you.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, looking straight at me like she needed to hear it again.

“Yes,” I said. “I know my brother. He’s the one messing up, not you. Trust me. He’ll come around soon.”

But deep down, I hoped he wouldn’t.

Because I wanted her.

She’s not his. She’s mine. She should be mine.

“Thank you so much,” she said, soft and grateful.

I gave her a small smile, but I didn’t say anything else.

When we got to the restaurant, the driver stopped. I turned to her.

“We’re here. Come on.”

It was a small place, quiet, nothing fancy. I always picked places like this for meetings. Private corners, no cars.

When we walked in, Alessio was already waiting.

He nodded at us. “Nolan. Lilith.”

“Alessio,” I greeted back.

We got into business fast. No time to waste. I showed him the guy we were tracking. The one Zoey found.

“This is the guy,” I said, sliding the photo across the table. “This is where he stays most of the time. All I need is for you to get him.”

Then I passed him a small box. “Put these on his laptop and phone. We’ll track everything from there.”

Alessio smirked. “Done. What about my price?”

“You’ll get half now,” I said. “Once the job is complete, I’ll send the rest.”

“Deal,” he said, standing up. “I’ll be on my way.”

Once he left, I turned to her. “Want a drink? Before we head back. I’m going to the office too. You could join me.”

“Are you sure?” she asked. “I won’t be disturbing you?”

I smiled. “You never disturb me. I like your company.”

She gave a small nod. “Okay then.”

“What would you like?” I asked.

“Juice,” she said.

I ordered wine for myself.

As we drank, I couldn’t stop looking at her.

She talked about her favorite books.

That word. Comfy. My thoughts turned dark. Her body under mine. Her lips parted, eyes closed, saying my name like I was the only man who ever mattered. I blinked it away. Not now. Not like this.

“If I had this office,” she said, “I’d come to work every single day.”

I let out a soft laugh. “Yeah, well, I prefer working from home most of the time.”

“Cool,” she said, still looking around.

I motioned for her to sit. “Make yourself comfortable. I think I’ll work for a bit. You can walk around if you want.”

She shook her head. “Nah. I’ll just sit here for now.”

I turned to my computer, but I couldn’t focus. She sat there on the couch, typing on her phone, her brows slightly furrowed, lost in whatever she was doing.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

She looked up. “Just checking out some artwork.”

I nodded, trying not to sound too interested, but then she said something that hit me like a punch.

“I want to get Killian a gift. What do you think I should get him?”

I paused. My heart skipped. A gift? For him?

“Do you… love Killian?” I asked.

She looked unsure. “I don’t really know. I feel something… but I don’t think he feels the same. I just… I don’t know.”

I swallowed hard. Good. Let it stay like that.

“Well,” I said, keeping my voice low, “don’t forget I’m here. Anytime you want to talk, I’m always here.”

She smiled. “You’re the sweetest. Thank you.”

Then she added, “Since I’ve come to your office now, I think I’ll go to his office too, but not today. Get him food. Maybe stay with him a bit. Last time didn’t go well, so… maybe I should try again.”

What the hell?

Why him? Why not bring food to me? Why not stay here with me?

But I heard myself say, “Yeah… you should do that. That’d be nice.”