His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Who Said I Wanted a Divorce?

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After handling everything, Anya returned to her car but couldn’t calm down for a long time.

The nurse’s words echoed in her ears: “Mrs. Locke’s about eight weeks pregnant. But she’s very weak, so make sure she takes care of herself. Otherwise, there’s a real risk she could miscarry.”

“Please keep her pregnancy confidential until Mr. Locke announces it. If anything happens because of a leak, neither of us can take the responsibility.”

“Understood.” The nurse had agreed cautiously.

Even with her promise, Anya felt suffocated. Her grip on the steering wheel tightened until her knuckles

turned white.

Liana was pregnant?

This meant Liana would soon have a permanent, living connection to Elian.

But Elian already had a child.

She had to think of something, fast. She needed to resolve this before Elian found out.

Thinking this, Anya started the car and dialed a familiar number. “Mr. Wilkins? Would you like to grab coffee?”

Harold Wilkins was her father’s personal physician.

Late that night, at a club, when Xander arrived, Elian’s tall frame was sprawled on a sofa, a magazine covering his face.

Xander sighed, “Usually at this hour, you’re either with Theo or Liana. What’s wrong?”

“Nobody wants me tonight. Free as a bird.”

Elian removed the magazine, sat up, and leaned forward to pour a drink for himself and Xander.

Xander observed that while Elian claimed to be free, his expression was anything but relaxed. “You sound almost disappointed. Hard to tell if it’s about Anya or Ms. Locke.”

Elian’s glass was almost to his lips. At the words “Mrs. Locke,” he paused and lowered it.

“Elian, ever since Anya returned, everyone assumes you divorce Liana. Give me a straight answer today. Will you?” Xander asked seriously.

Elian had never been troubled by women before. Even after marriage, he seemed content-until Anya came back recently.

Most friends believed Elian’s true love was Anya. But Xander held a different view.

Some feelings, once missed, are gone for good.

Elian leaned back into the sofa, holding his glass. He was brooding over the resolute look on Liana’s face when she’d asked for a divorce. Just then, someone walked right into the line of fire..

10:40 Wed, Feb 11

Chapter 9 Who Said I Wanted a Divorce?

“If you’re not satisfied with this one either, just fire me. I won’t say a word.”

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The door opened. Nathan walked in, holding yet another divorce agreement, and placed it directly in front of Elian.

Xander watched Nathan with amusement, wisely shifting his legs to the side.

Elian lounged against the cushions, glass in hand, his thumb stroking the rim. His deep eyes, fixed on the document, gradually took on an enigmatic gleam.

“Even though I think she should leave with nothing, for the sake of your reputation, I’ve left her the apartment you shared and all the jewelry you gave her. Plus, a monthly alimony of a million dollars for life. I guarantee no one will point fingers when the divorce goes public.”

Nathan continued, proud of his work.

The gleam in Elian’s eyes deepened as he

Nathan urged, “Take a look.”

looked up at him.

“Who the hell told you I wanted a divorce?” Elian’s words came out through gritted teeth.

Nathan froze.

“Who the hell told you I wanted a divorce?!”

This time, Elian erupted. He kicked the table violently.

Nathan was knocked back by the table’s edge, collapsing onto a nearby sofa, utterly stunned.

Elian, rage burning, stood up amidst the sound of shattering glass. He strode out with long, furious steps.

Nathan’s heart hammered. After a moment, he looked a Xander, who wore a knowing, half-smile. “Xander, what’s his problem?”

“Didn’t you hear his question?”

“He asked…”

Nathan thought hard, his mind racing.

“He never said he wanted a divorce. Who told you to prepare a divorce agreement?” Xander reminded him kindly.

After all, Nathan’s family relied on Elian’s financial support.

“But… Anya is back. He must want a divorce.”

“Anya might be a missed chance. And there’s something you probably don’t know.”

Xander offered a hint, considering Nathan was their junior.

“What?”

Nathan was still pale, but curiosity got the better of him

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10:40 Wed, Feb 11

Chapter 9 Who Said I Wanted a Divorce?

“Liana also graduated from Summit High.”

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“Really? I never noticed. I just thought she looked a bit like Anya. Elian must’ve married her because she reminded him of Anya.”

“Idiot. No wonder you keep getting played by women.”

Xander shot him a disapproving look.

As if Elian would be some fool who married a stand-in.

Elian returned to the Manor and went straight to his bedroom.

Liana appeared to be asleep. He sat beside her, watching for a while, then got up to shower.

In the middle of the night, Liana murmured weakly in her sleep, “Mom… Mom, don’t leave me.”

Her outstretched hand was quickly captured and pulled against a warm, firm waist. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around him, then slowly opened her eyes.

Elian had just showered. He carried the same clean scent of soap, with a slight coolness, pressing against

her.

Coming to her senses, she looked up quietly.

The sad, vulnerable look in her eyes from dreaming of Her mother’s loss met his dark, intense gaze.

Seeing that look, Elian cupped her face. His lips captured hers in a deep, demanding kiss.

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