Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 224

Chapter 224 Against Me

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It was only now that Ayla realized she didn’t really understand this man.

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Troy had always just frowned when he was angry. He had never lost control like this before. He wasn’t as cold and aloof as she had thought. He could actually go crazy.

Troy drove fast.

Ayla calmly looked at the passing scenery and asked, “Where are you taking me?”

Troy had been expecting her to panic or get angry. That would have shown she still cared. But her calm reaction felt like a message saying nothing he did could faze her.

A deep sense of helplessness washed over him. His chest hurt–not a sharp pain that vanished, but more of a constant, aching pressure that made his voice tremble even if he tried to speak. So he stayed silent and pressed the gas pedal harder.

Ayla was used to his lack of response. She had been trained by years of marriage. She wasn’t angry at all. She pulled the corner of her lips in a wry twist and kept her gaze forward.

The surroundings grew familiar. Ayla was surprised. She hadn’t expected Troy to drive her back to the villa she had lived in for three years.

It didn’t feel like home.

Even though she had stayed here for three years, she had never felt warmth in this place. Coming back now made her uneasy. Not because she hadn’t moved on emotionally, but because the old memories still triggered her, like post–traumatic stress.

Troy grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him.

Ayla had no choice but to meet his gaze.

He studied her expression. “You really hate this place, huh?”

Ayla said simply, “Yes.”

His fingers tightened on her chin. Troy sneered. “But you didn’t use to feel that way. You were always waiting for me to come home early, weren’t you?”

Ayla’s tone was calm, firm. “If I still felt the same as before, I wouldn’t have divorced you.”

Troy’s eyes

anger.

darkened. He stared for two seconds, then released her chin. His gaze burned with

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18:15 Wed, Jan 7

Chapter 224 Against Me

He was about to lose his temper when Laura suddenly ran out.

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She had been waiting for Troy, but then saw Ayla in the passenger seat. At first, she wasn’t sure, checking several times before recognizing her.

Her face lit up with surprise. She opened the door and started to greet her. At first, she wanted to call her “Mrs. Winston,” but then remembered they were divorced. She quickly corrected herself with a laugh. “Ayla, you’re back?”

Then she noticed Ayla’s hands were tied.

Laura’s smile froze. She looked sharply at Troy. “Mr. Winston, what’s going on?”

Troy’s reply was curt. “Step back.”

Ayla didn’t want to interact with anyone from her past. She didn’t even look at Laura.

But Laura suddenly reached out and untied the straps.

Ayla was stunned.

The woman had many little flaws, but she always obeyed Troy and never dared anger him. This was the first time Ayla had seen her defy him–right in front of her.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Troy’s face darkened.

Now everyone is against me?

Laura shivered. She stopped immediately, too scared to look at Troy. She stammered, “Mr … Mr. Winston, Ayla’s wrists are red. I … I think she might be uncomfortable…”

Troy looked down. He froze.

Ayla’s wrists were delicate and pale. He had been so angry earlier that he had tied her too tightly to stop her from moving. The straps had left marks, but Ayla’s face remained calm and emotionless.

Troy’s anger surged. “Why didn’t you tell me you were uncomfortable?”

Ayla only gave a cold laugh. She didn’t answer.

Troy, stubborn as ever, pressed on. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Ayla replied flatly, “I have nothing to say, I just want to leave here.”

Troy gritted his teeth. “You’re so stubborn. How am I ever supposed to let you go?”

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Chapter 224 Against Me

Ayla met his gaze, icy and unyielding.

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Laura was stunned. She knew how these two usually argued. Normally, Troy would be cold and indifferent, and Ayla would just follow along. But now, they were facing off, evenly matched.

It was confusing, but also normal–after all, they were divorced. Ayla’s attitude wouldn’t be the same as before.

Laura was happy to see Ayla, but her hands being tied told her Troy was acting against Ayla’s will. This was wrong.

“Mr. Winston, maybe… Get out of the car first…”

Troy couldn’t stay in the car forever. He got out, grabbed the shopping bag from M.L., and walked to the passenger side.

Laura had no choice but to step aside.

Troy pulled Ayla out, her hands still tied. He loosened them a bit.

Ayla’s face showed no reaction.

Troy gritted his teeth, lifted her in his arms, and carried her into the living room. He then told Laura to return to her own room.

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