His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52 Forced to Kneel in the Rain

Her response was measured.

While she was furious at Elian for invading her privacy, that was between her and him.

With Quentin, there was simply no possibility. She wouldn’t give him false hope.

Quentin nodded slowly. “We could step back to being friends.”

He didn’t want to be just a colleague. He wanted a place in her life, however small.

Liana smiled, saying nothing more.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

They both looked up.

Elian stood there, Theo in his arms.

He smiled, “Just saying goodbye before we go. Elian, I’ll pick you up after work.”

He’d heard their entire conversation.

He was pleased.

His wife knew where her loyalties lay.

Quentin retrieved his phone and returned to his desk, pretending to review documents.

Elian looked down at Theo. “Say goodbye to Mommy,”

“Bye-bye, Mommy!” Theo waved, eager to go play.

Liana felt like the top of her head might blow off.

6),

+5 Pearls

Two female colleagues happened to walk in just then, hoaring Elian and Theo. They stared, wide-eyed.

Elian seemed utterly unbothered. “My wife has been under a lot of stress lately as we try for a baby. I’d appreciate it if you all looked out for her.”

Liana wanted to scream. What the hell is he doing?!

During the morning break, a branded beverage truck pulled up in front of the faculty building.

1/3

12:01 Thu, Feb 12

Chapter 52 Forced to Kneel in the Rain

69

+5 Pearls

The staff called out, “Compliments of Mr. Locke! A thank you for taking such good care of his wife, Ms. Keane. Please continue to support her!”

From upstairs, Lily watched and laughed. She turned to Liana, who was standing beside her. “I’m starting to get worried. What if the paternity test comes back and Theo is his son, just like you said?”

Liana didn’t know. She was just bewildered by Elian’s actions.

“If the kid isn’t his, why is he bending over backwards to appease you like this?” Lily mused.

“Maybe he cheated, realized the grass wasn’t greener, and now wants his wife back?” another colleague, Chloe Sylar, chimed in. “But he can’t abandon his own flesh and blood. If that’s the case, he’s just getting started. More grand gestures are coming.”

“Right now, public opinion is shifting. Most people online are starting to support the idea of him bringing the child home to form a ‘real’ family with you,” Lily informed Liana.

The thought made Liana’s skin crawl.

And as Chloe predicted, that afternoon, their office furniture was replaced with state-of-the-art ergonomic pieces. The school received a massive donation of new high-tech educational equipment.

At the end-of-day meeting, the principal specifically thanked Liana for her “contribution,” stating that Elian’s generous donation was made at her suggestion.

Dazed, Liana walked to the parking lot after work, only to remember her car wasn’t there- Elian had driven her. He had said he’d pick her up.

As she stood there, a black sedan glided to a stop beside her. Two men in suits got out and, without a word, seized her arms and bundled her into the back seat.

…

By evening, at the Forrest Villa-

Liana was dragged into the courtyard that had haunted her nightmares for years.

Gerald stood before her, his cane striking the back of her legs with cruel force. “Little bitch- kneel, or I’ll make you.”

A deafening clap of thunder rolled overhead. The storm was about to break.

Gerald glared at her defiant face with pure disgust. “Hold her down. Make her kneel here all night. She doesn’t get up until dawn.” His voice was ice.

ด.เด

12:01 Thu, Feb 12

Chapter 52 Forced to Kneel in the Rain

“Yes, sir.”

69

+5 Pearls

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify