Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29 A Damsel in Distress

Ayla’s easy interaction with Draven didn’t go unnoticed.

To everyone else, Draven was the prize–handsome, powerful, untouchable.

Finished

People wanted to get close to him, but since that wasn’t easy, the next best thing was to reach him through the people around him.

The table buzzed with laughter, small talk, and drinks being passed around.

Soon, someone raised a glass to Ayla.

“Hello, I’m Brooke Goodman, GM of Vortex Tech. May I ask

He had filled Ayla’s glass halfway with whiskey.

your name?”

Panic rose in her chest. She had taken antibiotics the night before, and drinking now could make her sick.

But on an occasion like this, a low–level secretary like her couldn’t simply refuse.

She squeezed her palm, deciding to lift the glass anyway. She’d just bring it to her lips and fake a sip.

But before she could act, a long, pale hand reached out and took the glass first.

The strong fingers wrapped around it, lifted it smoothly, and raised it toward Brooke. Then, without hesitation, Draven drained the entire drink in one go.

He didn’t set the glass back in front of Ayla. Instead, he placed the empty glass in front of himself.

Draven’s deep eyes locked on Brooke’s. The message was clear.

Don’t push her to drink.

Ayla froze, staring at him in disbelief.

Why is he protecting me?

Brooke was just as shocked. At first, he was thrilled that Draven had honored him with the toast. But when their eyes met, his body stiffened.

Still, he quickly recovered, lifted his glass, and finished it in one gulp. “A toast to Mr. Storm.”

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Chapter 29 A Damsel in Distress

He then returned to his scat.

Finished

Every move Draven made drew attention. After he shielded Ayla, no one else dared bother her.

Whispers began to spread, though. People wondered who she was and if there was something more between her and Draven.

Grateful that Draven had helped her, Ayla decided to clear things up.

She leaned toward the person on her other side and made casual conversation. Within minutes, it was common knowledge that she was just a temporary fill–in secretary. Draven’s assistant had something urgent come up, so she stepped in.

And just like that, the rumors fizzled out.

But even if Ayla had stayed silent and given no explanation, no one would have risked gossiping once outside these walls. Only a fool would offend someone like Draven, who was at the peak of his power.

The most surprised of all was Herman.

Not only was he the vice president of Storm Group, but he was also one of Draven’s closest friends.

He had never seen Draven step in for something as small as this–let alone protect a secretary so fiercely.

Herman narrowed his eyes and muttered, “What’s gotten into you?”

Draven shot him a glance.

That was enough for Herman to smirk knowingly. “So that’s it. You’re interested in her, aren’t you?”

As Herman’s guesses grew more and more ridiculous, Draven finally explained, “She’s sick.”

He had noticed her condition the previous night.

If she drank again, her body wouldn’t hold up.

Herman’s face didn’t change, but his eyes showed disbelief. “You haven’t even been back to the office. You haven’t seen her. How do you know she’s sick?”

Draven stayed silent.

Herman leaned closer. “Then you must know her outside of work.”

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Chapter 29 A Damsel in Distress

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Draven didn’t want to continue this conversation.

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But Herman had never seen him protect a woman before, so his curiosity grew. “Tell me,” he pressed. “What’s your relationship with her?”

Draven gave no reply.

Herman started guessing. “Childhood friends? Classmates? First love? Ex–girlfriend? Or maybe an ex before that-”

Draven cut him off. “Neighbor.”

Herman glanced at Ayla. She was across the room, speaking politely to people at her table.

She looked every bit the classic ice–cold beauty. Her cool, polished aura even reminded him of Draven himself.

Herman withdrew his gaze and teased, “If you’re neighbors, doesn’t that make it even easier to date?”

Draven’s mind flashed to her face–eyes full of tears, expression empty. Even when she cried, she did it quietly, afraid to disturb anyone. That image had burned itself into his memory.

“I might fall in love someday,” he said flatly. “But it will never be with her.”

The words were sharp, his tone absolute.

Herman didn’t know why he was so certain, but he dropped the subject. His earlier guesses had only been a joke anyway.

Draven wasn’t just cold in appearance; his heart was made of stone. With his looks, he could have women lined up around the block. With his family background, everyone wanted to cozy up to him. Yet he chose to keep his distance, never letting any woman close.

If he didn’t ignore his handsome friends the same way, people might have wondered if he liked men instead.

When the gathering ended, Herman left with his assistant to handle other business.

Ayla followed quietly behind Draven as they walked out.

Will finally finished his work and came over. Spotting Ayla, he smiled. “What a coincidence.”

Ayla returned the smile. “Yes, it is.”

She wasn’t just Draven’s secretary; she was also his sister–in–law.

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Chapter 29 A Damsel in Distress

And now, Draven had become both her neighbor and her boss.

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Finished

That afternoon, Draven was supposed to head back to the company, but he changed plans. He chose to go to a restaurant instead.

Ayla thought it strange. But then she remembered: at the banquet, the table had been piled with expensive food, yet almost no one touched it. Everyone was too busy drinking.

Draven hadn’t picked up his fork. And Ayla herself, nervous the whole time, hadn’t eaten a single bite either.

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Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him