Ex's crazy pursuit After Divorce (Chloe and Adrian) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Afraid of Exposure?

Chloe just finished her work when Olivia knocked and pushed open her office door.

Olivia’s head appeared around the doorframe. “Chloe, come on, let’s grab lunch.”

“Sure, just a second.”

Chloe set down the patient file and headed for the door.

*****

In the hospital cafeteria.

Chloe and Olivia had barely settled down with their trays when someone appeared beside their table.

They both looked up. It was Marcus.

The moment Olivia saw him, her smile vanished. She looked away and focused on her food.

Marcus stepped closer to her. “Olivia, I won’t agree to the divorce. We need to talk.”

Though Olivia ignored him, he refused to leave.

He was effortlessly eye–catching–refined features, silver–rimmed glasses that added to his charm. At nearly six–foot–three, he stood out like a sore thumb in the hospital cafeteria.

Just standing there in silence, he drew every eye to their table.

Chloe glanced at Marcus and thought about Adrian.

They had totally different vibes, but they were the same kind of guy. The type who could make a girl fall hard–then crush her heart without thinking twice.

Olivia’s voice stayed ice–cold. “The divorce wasn’t a snap decision. There’s nothing to discuss. Stop showing up wherever I am.”

Marcus didn’t budge, but his jaw tightened. “Olivia, I’ve never wronged you. I won’t agree to this. Why won’t you just hear me out?”

His voice carried across the cafeteria, drawing more stares.

Olivia’s face flushed with anger. She didn’t want to become the hospital’s latest gossip because of Marcus.

She set down her fork and stood. “Fine. Let’s go outside. Don’t make a scene here.”

Just as Olivia stood, Chloe caught her arm. “If you don’t want to talk to him, don’t.”

Marcus‘ irritation flared into open anger. Just yesterday he’d spoken up for her in front of Adrian, and now she was making him look bad.

He snapped, “Chloe, worry about your own mess with Adrian. Olivia and I can handle ourselves.”

The sarcasm and hostility in Marcus‘ words set Olivia off. She still wasn’t sure if Chloe had truly given up on Adrian. If Marcus went running to Adrian over this, making things worse between them, Olivia would never forgive herself.

She stepped between them. “Our problems stay between us. Don’t drag others into it. If you want to talk, let’s go.”

“Olivia,” Chloe called out again.

Olivia gave her a reassuring look, then shot Marcus a withering glare. “Let’s go.”

After they left, Chloe sat alone, picking at her food. Worried about Olivia, she could barely taste anything.

She’d only managed a few bites when someone slid into the seat across from her.

Expecting Olivia’s return, she looked up quickly. “You’re back

Her expression shifted when she saw who it was.

Two nurses walked by just then. When they spotted Adrian, their eyes lit up with appreciation.

They looked between him and Chloe, grinning. “Dr. Hart, is this your boyfriend? He’s gorgeous! Aren’t you going to introduce us?” trying.

Suppressing the sudden bitterness rising in her chest, she gave Adrian an apologetic smile. “Oh, sorry. I was in a major surgery for several hours this morning. Didn’t check my phone.”

Then she gestured to her nearly empty plate. “I’m almost done. Can’t join you now. If you don’t mind, you could try our cafeteria?“

Chapter 17 Afraid of Exposure?

Chloe felt heat creep up her neck and glanced at Adrian.

When she and Adrian tied the knot, they just signed the papers without having a wedding. Only a few close friends knew they were married.

And obviously, Adrian didn’t want people to know about it.

Hearing their teasing, Chloe worried Adrian might snap at them, so she quickly denied it. “No, he’s not my boyfriend.”

She said it urgently, afraid any hesitation would create misunderstandings.

But to Adrian, her reaction looked like she was desperately trying to distance herself from him. His expression darkened.

The nurses caught Adrian’s displeasure immediately. Realizing their mistake, they apologized and hurried away.

Chloe didn’t miss the flash of annoyance in Adrian’s eyes either.

She tried to explain. “They were just joking around. Don’t take it personally.”

Adrian’s gaze turned cold. “Are you that afraid of people knowing we’re connected?”