Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 228

Chapter 228 Can’t Let Me Go?

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Troy had nowhere to let out his anger. If he exploded while Ayla stayed calm, it would just make him look insane. He refused to let her have that kind of sway over him, so he held himself back.

But he finally understood what it meant to feel exhausted to the point of collapse.

Why were the things he wanted most always just out of reach?

Thinking about it, a familiar ache hit him—not just because of Ayla, but because that had always been his life.

As a kid, he wanted his mother to show him a little softness or his father to notice he was good. But it never happened. They were always disappointed and dissatisfied with him. He had to work hard for a single compliment or a two–second smile from his mother.

Those moments were conditional. Troy had to be perfect to earn them. From childhood to now, he’d always known no one truly loved him.

He never expected Ayla to be the same.

He thought she’d be different–someone who’d love him no matter what. But she divorced him, and soon after, her hate was so strong that she couldn’t even look at him.

A sharp, restless anger filled Troy’s chest. He wanted to do something reckless to make her submit, to force her to obey, to stop her defiance.

But Ayla stayed upright, unflinching.

Troy knew that kind of person well–he was the same. Someone who never bowed, never admitted defeat. Threats didn’t work on people like that; they only pushed them further away.

But he couldn’t lower himself to coax her.

To him, bending meant losing. He’d survived his life on sheer stubbornness. Backing down felt like dying. He’d never soften for Ayla.

Besides, she was treating him so badly. Why should he be the one to beg? She should be the one coming to him.

But she didn’t.

Troy’s eyes narrowed as they landed on Ayla’s lips. They were full, beautifully shaped. He remembered kissing her, but he couldn’t remember what it tasted like.

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18:16 Wed, Jan

Chapter 228 Can’t Let Me Go?

He leaned in, about to kiss her.

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The moment he got close, Ayla shoved him and kicked him hard in the stomach.

If he hadn’t reacted fast, she would’ve hit somewhere far worse.

He hadn’t expected her to actually fight back. His face darkened with fury. “Ayla!”

Ayla stood up, her expression icy. She stepped back. She met his anger calmly, her voice colder than ever. “Is it that hard for you to be a quiet ex–husband?”

Troy let out a harsh laugh. “If you’d just listen-”

She cut him off, her eyes sharp, hitting him where it hurt. “Or is it that you just can’t let me go?”

His hand clenched at his side. After a long pause, he scoffed. “No.”

Ayla couldn’t understand him anymore.

He hated her, avoided her like entirely, and treated her with contempt. But he actually wanted to kiss her?

She could understand him being upset because of Draven. But even if she irritated him, his natural response should’ve been verbal humiliation, cold mockery, or that familiar scornful look. Why would he suddenly try to kiss her?

To Ayla, a kiss meant possession. But Troy didn’t love her. He had no reason to claim her.

Something about him seemed wrong. She didn’t understand it and no longer wanted to stay. Holding back her disgust, she said coldly, “You came tonight just to talk about your grandpa’s birthday. I already know. I’ll leave now. Troy, we’re divorced. Leave some dignity for both of us.”

The word “divorce” hit him like a slap. He snapped, agitated. “Why do you get to decide everything?!”

Ayla’s voice flared instantly. “Because I hate you! I hate that you don’t get what divorce means! I hate how insane and twisted you are! I hate how you disrespect me! I hate how you won’t leave me alone! Is that enough?!”

Her throat tightened, eyes reddening. She fought hard not to cry. “I never regretted loving you. But don’t make me feel disgusted that I ever did!”

Troy’s fists tightened, veins standing out. Her yelling stunned him–just like in the car at the airport. Seeing tears brimming in her eyes, he suddenly felt a deep sadness. A heavy, dull pain shot through his heart.

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