His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex Wife novel Chapter 395

Chapter 395 The Almost Kiss

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Zoe’s voice grew steadier. “Alright, then here’s something else. My father is a compulsive gambler. He used to beat my mother for years–she barely got away from him. But I can’t walk away, not really, because he’s still my dad. He’ll keep sucking the life out of me forever. If I ever get married, he’ll do the same to my husband. When he’s broke, he sticks to small–time bets. But the minute he finds out his son–in–law comes from old money–billions, powerful connections–he’ll think he’s won the lottery. He’ll expect his son–in–law to bail him out every time, and he won’t stop until he’s gambled away every last dollar. The only way my husband could ever truly be free of him… would be to divorce me.”

Brandon pressed a hand to his forehead. His headache was getting worse.

Zoe didn’t let up. “Then there’s my brother. If he keeps his head down in prison, he could be out in six or seven years with good behavior. Say I end up with you–even if we don’t see him regularly, we’d still visit my mom on the holidays, right? And if we see my mom, we’ll see my brother. So what then? Do we talk to him? Pretend he’s not there?”

Brandon let out a long, heavy breath. His eyes held a pained weight as he looked at her.

Zoe could guess what he was thinking.

He felt sorry for her, didn’t he?

She knew she was a good person who deserved a better hand in life.

But you don’t choose your family. And she didn’t have the power to change hers. Sometimes, you just play the cards you’re dealt.

Zoe gave him a bright, careless smile. “Mr. Whitmore, if I were just a little more selfish, I’d hold onto you and never let go. Who wouldn’t want to marry a great guy and live a comfortable life?

“But I know why you’re drawn to me. Back in college, you were so hung up on Iris. She looked so much like your mom.” Zoe thought back, feeling a tinge of nostalgia. “When you first started talking to me, everything you asked was about Iris‘ family. I actually thought you had a thing for her and were trying to get closer.

“You’ve always been so serious–with your studies, your career. You never really made room for anyone else.” Zoe took a step closer, tilting her head up until she was almost against his chest. “That little crush you had back then… it was probably just your first taste of attraction, nothing real. So look at me now. Do you actually want to kiss me?”

Brandon’s gaze drifted to her soft pink lips, then back to her clear eyes.

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15:32 Thu, Jun 25

Chapter 395 The Almost Kiss

She was so close. His breathing hitched slightly.

He was nervous, honestly.

But he knew–Zoe wasn’t really offering.

Kissing her now, when she was being this defiant, wouldn’t feel right.

Zoe snapped him out of his thoughts. “Why not kiss me? I’m giving you the chance.”

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“You don’t mean it,” Brandon said, his Adam’s apple bobbing. His voice came out rough.

“Right. I don’t. I just wanted you to see what’s really in your heart.” Zoe chuckled softly, her tone light and a little teasing. “If Iris stood this close to Julian and looked up at him like this, she wouldn’t even have to ask. Julian would kiss her till her lips were swollen.”

Brandon’s eyes darkened. “If I kissed you now, you still wouldn’t be with me. So what–you want me to force myself on you right here on the street in broad daylight?”

Zoe sighed and stepped back. “Force yourself on me?”

Brandon’s hands slowly clenched at his sides.

Zoe paused, then met his eyes again. “Mr. Whitmore, have you never once wanted to just… take a chance with a girl? Even by accident, or when you’d had too much to drink?”

Brandon stiffened. His eyes flickered, and he fell silent.

Zoe watched his expression. “You’ve felt that kind of urge before, haven’t you?”

Brandon didn’t answer. “Don’t take the subway. I’ll have my assistant drive you home.”

With that, he turned and strode away quickly.

Zoe watched his retreating figure, a pang of sadness hitting her.

Anyone would be sad to let go of a catch like him, right?

But she knew what she wanted–and what she didn’t. Holding onto that was her last bit of self-

respect.

Zoe shook off the feeling and got into the car with the assistant.

Brandon walked into the Aurelium Group building, tugged irritably at his tie, and felt completely unsettled–annoyed without really knowing why.

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15:32 Thu, Jun 25

Chapter 395 The Almost Kiss

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