His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56 Trust Broken

“No one’s used the towels.”

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Elian had been watching from the doorway, puzzled by her hesitation. Concerned she’d get cold, he spoke up.

Hearing him, Liana quickly grabbed a white bath towel and wrapped it around herself.

He couldn’t stop looking at her, cataloging every slight movement, the slender body that haunted his dreams. A fierce ache of desire and protectiveness warred within him.

Suppressing it, he walked in and took another towel, gently wrapping it around her wet hair. “Need to dry this properly. You’ll catch a chill,” he whispered.

She stayed silent, letting him tend to her hair.

Occasionally, his movements jostled her, her head bumping against his solid chest. It felt dangerously close to an embrace.

From the mirror, Elian caught the way she didn’t want to lean on him, and anger flashed. He pulled her head firmly against his chest, refusing to let her keep that distance as he rubbed her hair dry.

Liana’s hands, trapped between them, formed fists, creating a small barrier at his waist.

The pressure against his lower abdomen was a sweet torment, stirring a heat that spread lower. He tossed the damp towel toward a laundry hamper with perfect accuracy.

“Sit at the vanity. I’ll blow-dry your hair.” His voice was low, commanding.

She glanced at him, saw the intense, dissatisfied look in his eyes, and obediently went to sit down.

As she walked, a dull ache throbbed in her legs. She couldn’t immediately place its cause.

She was exhausted. If he wanted to play hairstylist, it saved her the effort.

Just pretend he’s staff at a salon.

The thought was a poor comfort. It brought back memories of the early days, when he’d do this

for her.

Drying her hair had been an intimate ritual, a step deeper into their fledgling relationship. Back then, her cheeks would burn with shy pleasure.

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Chapter 56 Trust Broken

Now, looking back, she just felt foolish.

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Theo was over two years old. While she was falling for the illusion of their happy marriage, he was already a father.

Remembering how she’d been seduced by his gentle façade, nearly believing in “happily ever after,” made her eyes sting again.

Why does life have to be such a rollercoaster?

She was twenty-seven, and nothing seemed to go right.

Elian, watching her in the mirror, saw the unshed tears glistening on her long lashes. His heart clenched. He continued, patiently blowing her hair dry.

She hadn’t been here before, but women’s toiletries were laid out neatly.

Her eyes scanned them, confirming this wasn’t a bachelor pad.

Was this a love nest for him and Anya?

But the mansion in Westhaven Estates was their main home… so perhaps this was just an occasional retreat.

All the skincare products were unsealed.

When her hair was dry, he turned off the dryer and carefully brushed it straight, checking the mirror for perfection. Setting the brush down, he leaned against the vanity, picking up a few bottles and jars.

“These were delivered recently. Need help applying them?”

“No need.” Her voice was flat, her eyes on the opened containers.

“No one’s used them,” he repeated.

She looked up, meeting his gaze. “Then why are they open?”

“What if I told you I had them unsealed, just in case you came over, would you believe me?” His tone was patient, testing.

He knew her trust in him was shattered. Lately, he often didn’t bother explaining, but when she asked, he wanted to tell her. He craved her belief.

“I don’t want them. Just lend me a set of clothes no one’s worn, and I’ll go

She saw the displeasure flash across his face and didn’t understand it.

home.”

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Chapter 56 Trust Broken

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