The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 365

Penelope Sterling sent her a text message.

[Jocelyn, can you come over for dinner this weekend?]

Without hesitation, Jocelyn tapped out a reply.

[I'd love to, Penelope.]

Ever since becoming Penelope's goddaughter, she felt like she had gained a real family member.

The older woman's genuine maternal affection exceeded all of her expectations.

Liam leaned over to peek at her screen, showing zero sense of boundaries.

"Who's texting you?"

She simply held up the phone for him to see.

"It's Penelope. She wants me to come over for dinner this weekend."

Liam pouted playfully.

"Julian's aunt. That means Julian will definitely be there too."

That detail hadn't even crossed her mind.

"I have no idea."

Liam fell back into his signature roguish charm.

"Why don't you text him and ask?"

It made sense.

Liam turned on his heel to leave.

"You're leaving just like that?"

He tossed a response over his shoulder.

"What, you want me to stick around and watch you two flirt over text?"

She shook her head with a wry smile.

The guy never took anything seriously.

She quickly texted Julian.

[Penelope invited me over for dinner this weekend.]

His response came through almost immediately.

[I know. She mentioned it to me. I'll be there too.]

[Oh, okay.]

[It's her birthday, by the way.]

Wait, what?

[Why didn't she tell me?]

[She probably didn't want you spending money on a gift.]

[I'd feel terrible showing up empty-handed. She gave me that valuable emerald bangle, so I really want to get her something special.]

[I figured you'd feel that way. That's why I told you.]

Even when they had slept together at the Preston estate, he had only gone through the motions out of a grim sense of obligation.

It was Audrey in his bed.

But his mind was filled entirely with someone else.

Physical intimacy with Audrey no longer held any spark of passion for him.

Because Audrey had a natural birth, she was much looser, which made Adrian feel even less.

The chemistry they supposedly shared felt entirely hollow.

Every touch felt like nothing more than completing a chore.

After their recent encounters, he knew with absolute certainty that his feelings for her were dead.

He couldn't even summon basic physical attraction for her anymore.

But Audrey remained blissfully unaware.

Her obsession with him had only intensified.

Hugging his waist tightly, the memory of their shared intimacy reignited a desperate craving inside her.

"Stay in my room tonight, Adrian."

If another pregnancy would cement her place as the lady of the Lowell household, she'd gladly endure anything.

Feigning gentleness, Adrian patted her back.

"What's this? You still haven't had enough?"