Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 88

Ayla couldn’t help glancing at the two of them.

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Both men had those dangerously seductive eyes–peach–shaped, deep–cut, with a hint of wickedness when they looked at people. Both of them were tall and handsome. Standing side by side, they looked like the poster boys of high–end heartbreakers, radiating the kind of decadent charm you’d expect from nightlife scandals.

Except James was loud, straightforward, bold–the rough type.

And Troy’s best friend Max, with his refined looks and restrained temperament, somehow felt more mature between the two … even though he was the gentler one.

“You two … look like family,” Ayla muttered.

If only their calm expressions weren’t hiding the tension underneath.

They must hate the sight of each other in private.

Clearly, the irritation they felt toward each other wasn’t anything like the murderous hostility between Draven and Troy.

This felt more like plain, mutual dislike.

When Max heard the words “look like family,” he felt like he’d swallowed a fly.

James–on purpose–slung an arm around Max’s shoulder and grinned, “Yeah, my little cousin

“Let’s talk?” Max flicked his hand off immediately. “Family matters.”

James shot him a look, then turned to Ayla. “Give me one minute.”

He stepped aside with Max.

Max said, “Your aunt said you’re thirty now. Asked when you’re getting married.”

“Damn it, what’s wrong with you–why are you pushing marriage? You’re almost 30, too. Your turn is coming soon. Don’t help the enemy.”

“My mom’s curious too. She told me to ask how things are going for you.”

Hearing it was Aunt Juliet, James caved instantly. “Nothing’s going on. I don’t like anyone. You know me–I just like making friends. Really falling for someone? That’s hard.”

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James had tried a few relationships before. He dated women because they interested him, but after enough time together, he just couldn’t fall in love.

He’d pretend to be in love–until he couldn’t pretend anymore.

Then, he’d break up.

He even briefly thought about getting involved with Ayla–all because he had a thing for cool, aloof types–but that ended the moment Draven got jealous and shut it down.

James simply didn’t do love at first sight.

Max’s eyes darkened slightly under his long lashes.

Oh.

So James and Ayla had nothing going on.

Now that he had the answer he wanted, Max immediately lost all interest in conversation and cut him off. “I’m leaving.”

“Wait.”

Max didn’t wait at all.

James cursed under his breath and followed him. “With a question like that–do you like someone?”

“None of your business.”

James was stumped.

He sped up, stepped ahead, and blocked Max’s path.

Max stopped walking.

James raised both eyebrows–then lifted one hand and gave him an unmistakably bold middle. finger.

Max didn’t know what to say.

Idiot.

With a cold face, he brushed past James and walked straight back to Ayla. The icy aura vanished instantly–replaced by a gentle, smiling warmth that made people feel at ease. “I’m heading out. See you next time, if there’s a chance.”

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Chapter 88 Growing Up

Even though he really wanted to stay.

But he couldn’t rush this.

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Ayla took it as simple adult politeness and nodded.

Truth was, there wouldn’t be a next time.

James shot Max a murderous glare. That reckless habit of flirting with anyone he looked at was never going to change.

He was already worrying for his aunt. Who knew how many unclaimed Winston grandbabies Max would leave scattered across the country someday?

After Max left, Ayla said, “Let’s go back. Continue the game.”

They returned to the court.

The others didn’t ask anything.

After all, her situation with Troy was personal.

Asking would cross boundaries.

And with Storm Group executives, Ayla always considered herself a small secretary–never their friend.

Their relationship was distant, polite.

James was the only exception.

So, it was normal they didn’t interfere in her conflict with Troy, as normal as hearing gossip about a coworker you weren’t close to.

Look if you want, but don’t get involved.

James asked, “Are we playing now? I’ll team with you.”

“I’ll rest a bit.”

“Alright.” James went back to the court.

Will and Blake were playing, so James subbed in for Blake.

Blake walked over to sit beside Ayla, racket in hand.

“How did it go?”

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Ayla’s voice was low. “… He left already?”

“Are you two dating?”

“Married.”

Blake was speechless.

She let out a sharp, humorless laugh and stopped talking.

Ayla sensed the ridicule in her tone. “We’re divorced. Just waiting on the Divorce Certificate.”

Only then did Blake look back at her. “So, what now?”

Ayla didn’t understand. “We divorced. So we go our separate ways.”

“Really? After Troy treated you like that, you’re not planning to fight back? Teach him a lesson?”

Ayla wanted to.

But Troy’s identity… his power… In Trensea, there wasn’t a single person who could actually hurt him.

Blake looked across the court toward Draven.

Some thoughts flickered in her mind.

But no need to tell Ayla.

And no need to elaborate. “Wish you a smooth divorce.”

Ayla’s expression was composed–clear, sobered by experience. A woman who has been through one marriage often sees human nature more clearly. She learns to look past illusions, loses her romantic delusions, and knows what she truly wants. That’s called growing up.

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