His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37 A Family of Three?

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Liana stiffened at his question, then replied stubbornly, “Do you agree or not?”

“Agreed. Please, Mrs. Locke.” His tone was deceptively mild.

Hearing his assent, she stepped closer to fix his tie, her heart a chaotic, unanchored thing.

She’d learned to tie a tie for him.

Back when they’d just gotten married, they were both strangers in a way. He’d secured care for her mother first. Seeing him occasionally struggle with his ties, she’d secretly watched online tutorials, learning a few knots.

Tying his tie became their ritual, a bridge across the awkwardness. A way for two people who were legally bound but emotionally distant to be close without words. The proximity was charged, their breaths mingling, the air thick with unspoken things.

Thinking about how they’d been together, she suddenly wished time could rewind.

If she had another shot, she would never fall for him again.

As she thought this, Elian’s dark gaze was fixed intently on her face.

“Wonder who’ll be lucky enough to have you tie his ties in the future.” The words escaped him, laced with a bitterness he couldn’t quite hide.

Liana figured that man wouldn’t show up for years anyway. She didn’t even know how long she’d stay in Alderidge.

The Forrest family was powerful; making her disappear wouldn’t be hard.

She only prayed the man rumored to be a good public official really lived up to it-maybe then her days would be a little easier.

“What are you thinking?” Elian asked when she didn’t respond.

“Thinking you and Ms. Forrest will soon have your happy ending. Congratulations.”

She finished the knot, a perfect half-Windsor. She examined it with detached satisfaction and let go.

She didn’t even glance at the Adam’s apple she used to find fascinating. Taking a step back, hands on her hips, she said, “Done.”

“Thank you.”

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Chapter 37 A Family of Three?

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Elian spoke again, unexpectedly.

Liana looked at him, puzzled.

For what? The tie? The congratulations?

“You’re welcome, Mr. Locke.” She turned away to gather the toys.

Seeing how eager she was to erase all traces of them stung.

Theo didn’t understand any of it. Seeing Liana clean up, he ran over to help, which made Elian let out a helpless laugh.

Seeing Theo pitch in, Liana couldn’t help giving the little boy another look.

So well-behaved at such a young age?

With a hint of stubborn pride in her chest-thinking about her own baby-Liana froze as Theo walked over with a toy and offered it to her. Her mind went blank.

His gaze was utterly pure, even carrying a hint of pleading.

Pleading?

Why would she see that? He seemed desperate to do something right.

“Thank you, Theo.” She took the toy, her voice softening despite herself.

Hearing the thanks, Theo blushed, sucking on his lower lip.

Liana’s hand moved almost automatically to brush his cheek. But the memory of who his mother was snapped her back. She withdrew her hand and quickly gathered the remaining

toys.

Elian watched the entire exchange, his eyes shifting from Theo’s hopeful face to Liana’s swift rejection. A heavy, suffocating feeling settled in his chest at the sight of Theo’s crestfallen expression.

Once the toys were packed, Liana gathered all the bags he’d brought yesterday. “Let’s go.”

“Leave them. Bringing all this to a divorce seems inappropriate.” Elian reminded her, picking Theo up.

your Liana eyed the bags. “We can just leave them in car.”

“I had drinks last night. My driver dropped me off. We’ll need to take your car to the

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Chapter 37 A Family of Three?

courthouse,” Elian said.

Reluctant, but prioritizing the divorce, Liana sighed, “Fine. Let’s go.”

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