The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 51

She switched over to the other line. Adrian's voice sounded much softer than usual.

"You're not home?"

Jocelyn, still in a relatively good mood, replied, "No, I was just out for a walk."

"Where are you? Do you want me to come pick you up?"

"No, that's okay. I drove. Did you need something?"

"Grandma called and said she wants us to come home for dinner early."

Jocelyn didn't ask any more questions. "Okay, I'm heading back now. It should take about half an hour."

"Same for me. See you in a bit."

The call ended, and Jocelyn felt a sense of unreality.

In the past, Adrian's conversations with her were either terse or cutting.

But today, it was like a normal chat between a husband and wife—considerate and harmonious.

It was a little unsettling.

When she got to the garage, Adrian was just getting out of his car.

Jocelyn parked and noticed he was standing by the door, waiting for her.

Grievances aside, there was no denying Adrian's appeal. He had that effortless, striking look that made women stop and stare.

She wondered what that handsome face would look like if he found out he'd really been cheated on.

Of course, Jocelyn was just speculating. She had no concrete proof.

Maybe the child Adrian left Audrey with was just a product of sheer, stubborn luck.

"You seem to be in a good mood," Adrian said gently.

Jocelyn smiled back. "Your problems are solved, so of course I'm happy for you."

Lying had become second nature to her now, without a hint of hesitation.

Adrian smiled slightly. "I thought you might get stage fright, but you did even better than I expected."

"It's all about the performance, right?"

Of course, she had to play her part perfectly.

"So, you're saying everything you did was just an act?"

Jocelyn caught the undertone in his question and answered carefully. "Of course, it's also because you're my husband. You don't think I'd be that intimate with any other man, do you?"

Adrian's expression softened even more.

He held out his hand. "Let's go."

Fortunately, it had all gone more smoothly than expected.

For the first time in a while, the family was gathered for a meal.

Eleanor began by tearfully mentioning Arthur, crying as if she were at his grave.

Audrey put on a show of crying along with her.

Jocelyn kept her head down, pretending to observe a moment of silence.

Eleanor changed the subject. "Alright, let's not dwell on the past. It's been a long time since we've all had a meal together. Let's enjoy this opportunity."

Audrey suddenly started dabbing at her eyes.

Eleanor asked with concern, "Audrey, are you thinking of Arthur? It's all my fault for bringing it up. I said I wouldn't."

Audrey's voice was soft and gentle. "Grandma, I feel like I've let you all down."

"What are you talking about?"

"Grandma, I want to ask you for something."

"Go ahead."

"I... I'd like to go back to my parents' house for a while."