His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73 The Public Declaration

“Mr. Locke, do you finally have time for a trip to the courthouse?”

“I have a critical meeting this afternoon,” Elian replied coldly, his gaze fixed on her.

“Then what is this about?” Liana asked, her voice steady

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“Even though we’re headed for divorce, as long as we’re legally married, I want to make one thing clear-I will not dishonor you or our vows.” His tone was measured, almost clinical.

The words twisted inside her. She glanced toward the restaurant entrance, where his friends watched, and said flatly, “Don’t constrain yourself for a marriage that already dead. You’re free to do as you please.”

“Say that again,” he growled, his voice low and threatening.

“I’ve said it before. I wish you both happiness.”

She met his deep eyes-the ones that had once captivated her-with unwavering calm.

“Don’t regret it.”

With that, he pushed off from the car and turned to go.

The group at the door watched tensely.

Anya, subtly straightening, looked at Elian with hopeful anticipation as he approached.

Liana forced herself to stay rational. She turned to open her car door.

But-

Her arm was suddenly wrenched back, her body bent over the car’s hood.

Thump.

The door swung shut.

Her mind went blank, then blared with alarm.

Elian had returned. He framed her face with his hands and crushed his mouth against hers in a fierce, punishing kiss.

In broad daylight, in a crowded street, he was kissing her with a raw, desperate intensity.

Liana felt lightheaded, her face burning.

The sidewalk was filling with people leaving nearby restaurants. All eyes were fixed on that beat-up red car. Some even pulled out their phones.

She shoved against his chest, but he easily caught her waists, pinning them against the cool metal of the car roof. He broke the kiss for a second, his deep eyes burning with a confused mix of anger and pain, before claiming her lips again.

This time, she turned her face away.

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Chapter 73 The Public Declaration

His kiss landed on her check. A wave of loss washed over him, followed by a sharp clarity.

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Liana saw the onlookers staring and flushed with embarrassment. She turned her head the other way, but his face was so close their noses brushed. Hers stung, and her eyes grew heavy with unshed tears.

She looked down. “Get up. Everyone’s watching.”

Elian stared at her flushed cheeks, her long, trembling lashes, and found he couldn’t move.

A reckless part of him thought-Let them watch.

When he still didn’t move, she was forced to look up at him.

Seeing the mortification in her eyes, something hot and possessive shot through him. “So what if they are?” he murmured, his voice rough.

Confused, she felt his breath mingle with hers and instinctively pressed her lips tighter.

That small, defensive action sent a fresh wave of desire through him. “Liana, can I come see you tonight?”

She blinked, startled. “You’ll have time tonight?”

“Yeah,” he breathed, unable to resist brushing his lips against hers again.

They were so soft, so perfect. Last night, watching her eat cherries at home, he’d wanted to be one….

He stopped the thought, but couldn’t stop himself from teasing her lower lip with gentle, lingering kisses.

“Could you pull some strings and have the courthouse open for us tonight to finalize the divorce?” she asked suddenly, recalling his earlier mention of connections.

Maybe they could end it all tonight.

“The director just had stomach surgery. I can’t bother him with this. Besides…”

“Besides what?” Liana, focused on divorce, missed the sudden softness in his eyes and voice.

“Besides… when your husband says he’s coming to see you at night, divorce isn’t what he has in mind.” His voice was a low, intimate rumble.

“Then what does he have in mind?” she retorted automatically, then realized her mistake.

She felt a sudden, dizzying sense of déjà vu. His gaze held the same heat, the same raw want she’d seen when they were first together.

Her heart hammered chaotically. Clinging to reason, she reminded him firmly, “Your precious Ms. Forrest is watching you.”

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