His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31 So Eager to Kick Us Out?

She was hungry, but couldn’t be bothered to whip up anything fancy this late.

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Elian’s grocery haul had some string cheese sticks, so she went with instant ramen-ripped a stick into bits and tossed ’em right into the pot.

Past ten o’clock, he still hadn’t arrived.

After washing up and changing into her pajamas, she stood by the drafty window, staring down at the street below until a pair of headlights cut through the darkness from a distance. A wave of relief washed over her.

It was him. His signature Rolls-Royce, imposing and steady.

The driver got out first, opening an umbrella to shield the rear door before Elian emerged. Liana couldn’t see him clearly after that.

She quickly turned away, hastily gathering the toys Theo had scattered across the table.

Well, best if they leave immediately.

The doorbell rang. She went to answer it.

Elian stood there, his suit jacket hooked over one shoulder, his tall frame filling the doorway. His attitude was polite.

“Sorry. Couldn’t get away from a client dinner. I’m late.

“Mind if I come in?” he asked, his gaze fixed on her gentle, almond-shaped eyes.

Liana stared at him, momentarily dazed, before quickly stepping aside. “Please.”

“Thanks.”

He walked in, jacket still slung over his shoulder, the picture of humility and courtesy.

Yet, something felt off to Liana. Her eyes followed his back, her unruly heart thudding like

crazy.

He seemed to have been drinking; a faint trace of alcohol lingered around him. He paused in the middle of the living room.

His eyes scanned the space, taking in the bag of neatly packed toys, noting that not a single toy -not even a palm-sized rubber duck-was left out. His gaze swept the room once more before finally landing on her.

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11:59 Thu, Feb 12

Chapter 31 So Eager to Kick Us Out?

Out?

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Only then did Liana step forward. “Everything’s packed. Theo’s asleep in my room.”

“So eager to kick us out?” Elian asked, his eyes locking onto hers.

Liana froze.

Kick them out?

Wasn’t he the one who said he’d pick Theo up tonight?

A bitter taste settled in Elian’s chest. Without another word, he turned and headed straight for her bedroom.

Liana didn’t follow. She did want him to take Theo and leave, and soon.

They weren’t in a relationship that allowed them to live under the same roof anymore, especially with the child he had with Anya right here.

She couldn’t handle it.

Yeah, the child was innocent-but when wasn’t she? She hadn’t done anything wrong either.

Nearly five minutes passed, and he still hadn’t come out. Liana had no choice but to approach the bedroom door to check.

Unexpectedly, the door was yanked open violently from the inside. She stumbled back in shock.

Her slippers didn’t move with her. She felt her center of gravity shift dangerously, her body tilting backward.

The slap from yesterday had given her a slight concussion. If she hit this solid hardwood floor today, she was certain the damage would be far worse.

But the anticipated impact never came. A powerful hand shot out, seizing her wrist.

She watched, wide-eyed, as his chest rushed toward her, ‘then saw his sharp, handsome features come into clear focus right before her eyes.

The owner of that strong arm wrapped around her waist had saved her.

It was Elian.

She stared up at him, her eyes inexplicably welling up.

Lily had asked if she hated him. She’d said no.

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11:59 Thu, Feb 12

Chapter 31 So Eager to Kick Us Out?

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How could she hate him? He had been her savior, descending into her life when she most needed support. For those two years, he had held up her world. He was saving her mother. He was saving her.

Sure, she had irrationally blamed him in the heat of emotion. But once clarity returned, she had forgiven him.

Besides, he had just saved her yesterday. And now, he’d prevented her from worsening a possible concussion.

Elian steadied her on her feet, his deep eyes gazing down at her.

“The rain’s coming down pretty hard,” he said, his voice low. “Would it be okay if we waited until it lets up a bit before we go?”

“…Okay.”

How could she say no to her rescuer?

“Thank you,” Elian said, releasing her, his tone oddly formal.

“You’re… welcome.” The sudden courtesy left her flustered.

As he walked past her, just as she was starting to internally wrestle with this strange politeness, he suddenly called her name. “Liana?”

Her heart hammered wildly, but she turned to look at him on instinct. “Hmm?”

“Had a bit too much to drink. Feeling off. Would you mind if I used your kitchen to make some honey lemon water?”

“Go ahead,” Liana replied, her response a beat too slow.

“Thanks.”

He was courteous again, then headed for the kitchen.

Liana’s heart continued its chaotic, pounding rhythm. Listening to him rummage in the kitchen, she went and sat on the living room sofa.

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