Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 278

Chapter 278 Not Welcome

He could tell she’d been crying.

Finisher

He almost lifted a hand to brush the corner of her eye, but the second he moved, she stepped back.

He quietly lowered his hand and shoved it into his pocket.

She looked like she’d just woken up, long hair down, wearing soft cotton pajamas, eyes still foggy from sleep.

Dorian’s voice softened. “Not inviting me in?”

Arden wanted to snap at him. Seriously? You give me a fake divorce decree and now you think you can just walk back in?

“You’re not welcome. Please leave, Mr. Vale.”

Her eyes flicked to his abdomen. He was slightly hunched. Clearly still in pain.

Her face tensed. She wanted to ask if he was trying to kill himself. Instead, she swallowed her anger and looked up. “Mr. Vale, what do you want?”

“You didn’t come all the way here just to hand over the real divorce papers, did you?”

“I came to see you.”

“Well, I’m doing just fine. Don’t need you checking on me. You, on the other hand–stabbed, shot–and now walking around in the snow?”

When she looked up, her bare face full of irritation, Dorian replied, “You’re worried about me?”

Arden rolled her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. You’re a big shot. If something happens to you in my apartment, I can’t afford the lawsuit.”

Even giving him a look like that–those bright eyes of hers sparkled with expression. He felt good just being on the receiving end of it. She was worried. Even if she didn’t admit it.

“Oh? Well in that case… it’s freezing out here, and my wound really hurts. Mind if I come in to warm up?”

“You got stabbed in the gut, not the head. Your villa’s got floor heating, central air, and a medical team Don’t act like my tiny apartment is your only option.”

She really wanted to say, “Are you mentally unwell?”

Dorian kept his eyes on hers. “I wanted to see if you were still crying.”

What a clown.

“Give me the real divorce papers and I won’t cry. Mr. Vale, are you handing them over?”

“I’m not divorcing you.”

Chapter 278 Not Welcome

Finished

Arden stared. Then what’s the point of this conversation?

She scoffed. “Hate to disappoint you, Mr. Vale. I didn’t cry. Sorry to ruin the moment. Now leave.”

She moved to shut the door. Dorian pushed against it slightly. One hand on his stomach, he hissed in pain.

Arden froze. “What are you doing? If you collapse here, I don’t have a private clinic on speed dial.”

Dorian clutched his stomach, face strained. “It’s the wound. Feels like it opened again. Can I come in?”

Arden stared at him for a long moment. His brows were furrowed. Lips pale. He didn’t look like he was faking.

He was probably using this as an excuse to get inside. And he wasn’t wrong.

She had stayed with him that night. She hadn’t fought him when she found out the divorce papers were fake.

She cared. Even if she’d never say it.

But if he passed out in her apartment, she’d be screwed. Her family was already in a shaky place. If something else happened…

They’d have to sell the house. Her parents would be left with nowhere to live.

So she opened the door. “Fine. Come in. But don’t get comfortable.”

She turned and walked inside. Dorian smiled faintly and followed.

The place was small compared to Silverbay Villa, but it was cozy. It smelled like her. Lived–in and warm. He sat down on the couch.

Out of pity for his injury, Arden brought him a glass of water. Then ignored him.

The water in the kitchen was probably boiling.

She stood up. “Mr. Vale, once you finish your water and check your wound, you should go.”

Without waiting for a reply, she went into the kitchen.

Dorian watched her go. Then he glanced around the living room.

It was tidy. Just like last time. There were fresh lilies and blue roses in a vase on the table.

A folded blanket on the couch. A book resting beside it. On the back of the couch, half–finished embroidery draped over the fabric.

He sipped his water. Then stood and quietly walked toward the kitchen.

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