The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 105

Adrian looked as if a massive weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"What made you think to do all that?" he asked softly.

Jocelyn smiled faintly. "Because you're my husband, and because I understand the impossible position you were in. What you couldn't do, I can do for you."

Right in front of Audrey, Adrian reached out and took Jocelyn's hand.

"Jocelyn, you..."

How had he never realized his wife was so understanding and reasonable?

Jocelyn beamed gracefully. "You don't have to thank me. Taking care of you is part of being your wife."

Then, she seamlessly pivoted.

"And you shouldn't blame Audrey either. Even though she's the one who complained about Maria to Grandma, well..."

Jocelyn's tone turned sorrowful. "Maria only did it out of concern for me. You know how poor my health has been lately. Maria was just terrified that if I went a whole day without eating, I'd get worse, and then if you needed me for an event, I wouldn't be able to attend. That's the only reason she did what she did."

Her words sobered Adrian in an instant. Which was exactly what Jocelyn wanted.

If Audrey could sow discord, so could she. It was called beating someone at their own game.

Adrian shot Audrey a hard look. His gaze turned cold with disappointment and blame.

Mission accomplished. Time to make an exit.

"Alright, Adrian, I need to get some rest. The doctor said I can't stay up late, or my recovery will take even longer."

"You stay here and keep Audrey company. After all, she just lost Arthur, and Leo is so young. She must be so lonely every day. She needs someone by her side."

With that, Jocelyn turned and walked out, leaving with effortless grace.

Adrian watched her go for a moment, suddenly losing all his previous enthusiasm.

"You should get some rest too. I'm going back to my room."

His heart had shattered for her then. The woman he loved, reduced to such a bleak and sorrowful state. He had hurt so much for her that he hadn't known what to do.

He had sworn to himself right then and there that he would take good care of her, that he would stay by her side.

Because of that memory, Adrian's heart softened once more.

He reached out and wiped the tears from her face. "Alright, I spoke out of turn. Don't cry."

Audrey immediately buried her face in his chest. "Adrian, you're all I have left. When you talk to me like that, it tears me apart."

Adrian could only coax her gently. "I won't doubt you again. I was just overthinking things. Be good. At the charity auction tomorrow, if you see anything you like, I'll buy it for you."

Audrey felt a surge of secret joy. "Really?"

But Adrian instantly regretted the words the moment they left his mouth.

Because he had made the exact same promise to his wife.