Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41

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Chapter 41

Had the man she’d loved for so many years and the marriage she’d guarded through every humiliation finally become tainted?

“You didn’t think I’d call?” Vance glanced at Desmond and gritted his teeth. “I’m your husband. Who else would call you, if not me?”

Rebecca shook her head and stood up slowly, relying on the barre for support. “Who knows? I don’t have any ex–boyfriends,

after all.”

His expression darkened immediately, his brows knitting together in irritation. “Rebecca…”

From the floor, she picked up a pack of wet wipes and, despite her limp, walked calmly over to him. She drew out a single wipe, gently dabbed his neck to remove the traces of lipstick, and then stuffed the stained wipe into his shirt pocket.

“Josette made coq au vin. It smells amazing. Time for dinner.” She turned away, then glanced back over her shoulder and added, “You might want to change that shirt or at least wash it before coming inside, so she won’t ask. Of course, if you don’t care about explaining anything at all, that’s entirely up to you.”

She had imagined that Vance might eventually become intimate with Catherine, but she had never anticipated that when the day actually arrived, she would feel a strange, calm ache pressing upon her.

She had to press her hand firmly against her chest, fearing that the pain would surge like a tidal wave and overwhelm her. If that happened, she could no longer pretend that everything was fine or maintain the façade of happiness.

“Desmond, dinner’s ready,” she called out as she exited the room.

The tension between the two men was palpable. They glared at each other like predators ready to pounce, but she wasn’t worried about Vance being hurt.

She planned to tell Josette about the divorce later, hoping to shield Josette from the chaotic and tumultuous aspects of her life.

“What makes you think you can eat here?” Vance said bluntly, abandoning any pretense.

Desmond was unfazed. “Have you ever seen Rebecca dance?”

Vance froze in place, caught off guard. Even with all his experience navigating the cutthroat world of business, he couldn’t decipher the meaning behind Desmond’s words.

Desmond chuckled, following Rebecca to the main house. Five minutes later, Vance entered the room as well, his shirt collar now damp, suggesting he had quickly washed it.

He greeted Josette politely, and the latter gave a warm smile. “Vance, you’re here. Take a seat. I’ll grab a plate and utensils for

you.”

“It’s fine. I’ll get them myself.” He glanced pointedly at Desmond, then added, “I’m not a guest here, after all.”

He walked into the kitchen, grabbing a plate, utensils, and a spoon. Acting every bit the host of the house, he ladled soup for Josette, Rebecca, and even Desmond.

can use this one instead.”

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