Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 239

Chapter 239 A Heads–up

50

Finished

Draven’s eyes cooled, though he made sure Ayla didn’t notice. “I could’ve known you before that. You just

didn’t know about me.”

Ayla wondered if that was possible.

“I’ve liked you deeply for three years. The moment you divorced, I wasn’t going to sit back and watch. Even if you were Troy’s ex, I won’t hold back.

“Ayla, only if I’ve liked you for that long would I rush to be with you–right?”

It actually made sense.

First, her awkward identity was a hurdle.

Second, Draven wasn’t someone who fell in love fast. If people thought he fell for her after a month of working together, no one would believe it. It would sound ridiculous.

Only years of feelings could explain why he’d be so determined.

Ayla sighed. “Mr. Storm, that reason is perfect. How did you come up with it? It almost sounds like you actually loved me.”

Draven thought, I did.

“Are you saying I’m smart?”

“Yeah.”

“A smart person’s reasoning naturally sounds true.”

Ayla was left speechless. He still looked calm and cool, but he was openly praising himself.

But he deserved it.

They talked about where their timelines might have crossed three years ago. Draven deliberately avoided mentioning the seaside. He didn’t want to bring it up like it was nothing. He planned to tell her only when she actually liked him.

Three years ago, Ayla was still a student. She’d visited an AI research center that cost billions, and parts of it overlapped with Draven’s work.

After they finished sorting everything out, Draven drove Ayla home.

They stepped into the elevator together, walked out, and then went toward their own doors.

Ayla opened her door, paused, and asked, “Mr. Storm, do couples have to live apart?”

Draven stopped at his own door. He stared at her. “What do you think?”

“We don’t need to live together at the start, right?”

1/3

18:44 Thu, Jan 8

Chapter 239 A Heads–up

“No rush. We’ll talk about it when my mom comes to Trensea.”

50

Finished

Ayla didn’t want to keep going with that topic, but she said, “Just so you know, if we ever have to pretend to live together, I’m not moving in with you. I have my house, my study, and my routines. I already decided that if I ever date again, I’m not bending myself to fit a man’s life…”

She knew it might annoy him, but she needed to say it. “You also said this cooperation should feel pleasant. I’ve already paid the price in a relationship before. Even if we’re pretending, I’m not going to compromise myself again. If I force it, I can’t act naturally, and it wouldn’t match my character. Being ourselves makes the act more convincing. If there’s ever a need to live together, you might need to move into my place. I have plenty of rooms. One more won’t hurt.”

Draven was surprised. “Not backing down at all?”

“Right.”

She smiled. “Compared to you, I have more experience with relationships–though all of it came from Troy. I’ve taken enough hits in three years. So I won’t put up with being treated badly again. Not even a little.”

Draven’s fingers clenched.

The fact that she learned so much meant she had loved deeply–only to be hurt even deeper. Troy didn’t deserve her at all!

“Mr. Storm, can you accept that?”

Draven held down the anger that came from feeling sorry for her. He looked at her and said softly, “Don’t worry. If I date you, it’s because I love you. And if I love you, I’ll do anything for you.”

He would show her he was nothing like Troy.

After saying that, he turned to leave. Before closing his door, he looked at her and reminded her, “Get some rest.”

Ayla froze for a beat, then nodded. “Okay.”

The door shut.

Ayla finally stepped into her place. Once the door clicked behind her, she leaned on it, heart pounding.

When Draven said he loved her, his eyes were so serious that it didn’t feel like a performance.

Normally, his gaze was sharp, like it could trap her, cold and heavy, with no softness at all.

But just now, there was warmth there.

When eyes like that turn gentle, they could make anything look cared for. The effect was almost shocking.

So when that calm gaze softened, and he slipped into the role of a boyfriend, it almost sounded like a real confession and promise.

Maybe it was because Draven had that quiet, cold presence. He could lie and make it seem real. Worse, when his eyes softened, it felt like actual affection spilled out.

2/3

18:44 Thu, Jan 8

Chapter 239 A Heads–up

50

Finished

When someone who always showed no emotion suddenly showed warmth, the impact was intense. So it made sense that Ayla’s heartbeat wasn’t normal.

By now, she was sure of one thing. Draven had stayed single because he didn’t want to date.

Because if he wanted to, he could fake it just a little and make anyone fall for him.

286