Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 689

Chapter 689 House Arrest

2 Finished

James was already used to Max’s sarcastic tone. He raised an eyebrow and said, “You’re staying here for the next few days. Don’t even think about going anywhere.”

He patted Max on the shoulder, his voice dripping with mock concern. “Max, I’m seriously considering having my aunt set you up with some blind dates, just so you can get married off soon and stop causing trouble for other women.”

Max’s smile only widened, his tone light but pointed. “Why are you so disrespectful of Ayla’s choices? Aren’t you supposed to be her friend? Ayla chose me, so you should support her. Why are you sabotaging me behind her back? That’s pretty low, you know.”

Max had been brought here by Draven’s bodyguards and was essentially under house arrest. James was in charge of keeping an eye on him, so no one outside had any idea what was actually happening. To outsiders, it might even look like their relationship was improving.

James snorted, his skepticism clear. “I just don’t trust your character. There’s something to be said for first come, first served. I still think things between Ayla and Draven aren’t over yet.”

Max replied without missing a beat, “If you’re talking about first come, first served, then you should be rooting for Ayla and Troy. Even your brother Draven would have to wait his turn.”

James shot back, “That’s a different story. Character matters more than anything.”

Max fell silent for a moment, spreading his hands in mock exasperation. His eyes half–closed, he managed a sly, restrained smile. “James, you really are asking for a beating.”

After Ayla hung up the phone, she turned her attention back to her computer. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, but her expression only darkened.

On the fifth day of Ayla’s business trip, Troy finally found the address where Draven was hiding the children.

Garrett ran through the possibilities and quickly realized that sneaking past Draven’s security and successfully taking the children was almost impossible.

The whole area was locked down tight, with multiple checkpoints even for staff. Even the world’s top assassins couldn’t manage to get two infants out. Chapter 688 Start Changing

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He couldn’t keep leaving everything up to Ayla, expecting her to read his mind or intuit his feelings.

That was one of the hardest lessons Draven had learned after their breakup–he needed to change. He had to show her what was in his heart.

After a while, Draven pulled out his phone and recorded a video of the babies, capturing their every movement with quiet tenderness.

Silvoria. It was the fourth day of Ayla’s business trip.

That evening, her phone rang. James‘ voice, thick with his Zheronian accent, crashed through the line. “Ayla, I’m honestly shocked. Are you really with Max now? When did this happen? How could your taste fall so far? You dated Draven–he’s got the looks, the body, the pedigree, the whole package. How could you possibly fall for Max?”

James‘ words were a jumble of disbelief and concern, as if he was desperate to snap her out of a terrible mistake. “Max is a total playboy, always chasing after someone new. He’s got more girlfriends than I can count, and half his friends are gay–I swear he’s into both men and women. My aunt is always worried he’ll end up with a dozen illegitimate kids. How could you fall for a guy like that? You’re better than this!”

Ayla and Max had agreed to keep things quiet, to act like just friends in public. Yet James had found out almost instantly.

Ayla’s eyes darkened, but she didn’t let it show in her voice. “Did something happen at home? Is that why Max had to go back?”

James paused, caught off guard by the question. “Yeah, there was some trouble at home. I only realized you two were together after I saw Max.”

Ayla asked gently, “Is everything okay now?”

[ames sighed in relief. “Almost sorted out. But you still haven’t answered me–what do you see in Max?”

Ayla’s response was cool and measured. “He’s good–looking, charming, comes from a decent family, and ne knows how to make me laugh. I’m single. He’s single. Why is it so strange we’re together? You only dislike Max because your personalities clash. As for his gay friends, that’s because he’s into fashion–most men in that world aren’t straight.

And those so–called girlfriends? Most of them were harmless flings, or girls he was too polite to turn down. So what if he’s dated a lot? It just means he hasn’t met the right one before. Now he knows how to treat a woman well, and I enjoy being with him. As long as he’s faithful and treats me right, that’s all I need.”

Ayla didn’t harbor deep feelings for Max, but she refused to let anyone interrogate her choices.

She would date whoever she wanted, whenever she wanted–she owed no one an explanation.

Maybe there was an edge to her words, but it wasn’t about James.

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11:45 am

Chapter 688 Start Changing

Finished

誠度

It was about Draven.

James was left speechless, completely thrown by her answer. It took him a long moment to recover. “So you really do like him?”

Ayla replied simply, “Yes. If I didn’t, why would I be with him?”

James hesitated, then apologized. “Sorry, Ayla. I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just surprised… But are you two really for real?”

That was where Ayla drew the line. “Whether we are or not, it’s none of your business.”

Realizing he had upset her, James hurried to apologize. “Sorry, sorry. You know how I get when I’m emotional–I say things without thinking… Damn it, Max, how long have you been listening behind my back?”

A second later, the voice on the line changed to Max’s, smooth and warm. “Ayla, I miss you.”

May’s voice washed over her, and the irritation in Ayla’s heart faded. She felt lighter, calmer, and safer. She answered, her voice steady, “I miss you too.”

Max’s tone softened even more. “Have you been unhappy lately?”

Ayla let out a cold laugh and glanced at her computer screen, her eyes steely. “Yes, I’ve been really unhappy.”

Max’s reply was gentle, his voice soothing. “Just wait for me. I’ll come keep you company soon, and I promise I’ll make you smile again.”

That was exactly what Ayla wanted–someone who brought no pressure, someone who understood her unspoken needs. There was a quiet understanding between her and Max. She made her point clear, “Don’t take too long.”

Max’s lips curled into a smile, even though she couldn’t see it “Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to make you happy as soon as possible.”

Ayla added, “If you need help, let me know.”

Max blinked and said with a wink, “No problem. That’s exactly what I’m doing now, isn’t it?”

Max ended the call and turned around, only to find James glaring at him, annoyed.

James scoffed, “Really, Max? You flirt with every girl in sight, and now you’re stealing my friend’s girl too? Are you doing this just to get under my skin?”

Max only shrugged. “If I can steal my own brother’s girl, why would I be scared to steal your friend’s? James, the only reason you bullied me as a kid was because you were two years older. It’s been years–how are you still this clueless?”

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But now that Troy had the location, he couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. He stood up from the couch, determination hardening his features.

Garrett looked up. “What are you planning to do?”

Troy answered, “I’m going to take them by force. There’s no room for games between me and Draven.”

Garrett hesitated. “Draven doesn’t even care about his reputation anymore. He’s willing to help you raise your kids do you really think you can take them back?”

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