The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 172

Preston chuckled softly, leaning in to clasp her hand.

"Why are you so nervous? Are you really hiding a secret from me?"

Chloe pulled her hand away and met his gaze. "I just wanted to take a trip abroad to clear my head. Do you really need to micromanage that too?"

"Besides, it gives you and your platonic soulmate some space."

The last comment sounded a bit bitter to his ears.

He laughed, pulling her into his arms. "Of course I'm going to manage it."

"How could I let you go all by yourself? Give it a couple of days until your visa is approved, and I'll go with you."

It was true—she really did need a vacation right now.

Seeing that he wasn't suspicious, Chloe let out a breath of relief.

She didn't take his promise seriously. After all, he was currently up to his neck in work, desperately trying to secure the assistant position under Dr. Sharpe for Jenna.

But to her surprise, Preston immediately pulled out his phone to book a flight.

"Which country did you get a visa for?"

Chloe froze. "I don't really want to go right now. We can talk about it later."

Preston tightened his arm around her waist. "Sounds to me like you're trying to sneak off on your own."

He was relentless. Cornered, Chloe blurted out a random country she actually had a visa for.

"Kandaria."

"Done."

Preston bought tickets for three days later right then and there.

Chloe stared at him, irritation flaring. "Aren't you worried your best girl will get mad if you leave the country with me?"

"Why would she be mad?"

Preston brushed it off. Seeing her bristling like an angry cat, he smiled and couldn't resist pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Isn't it my duty to keep my own wife company?"

Chloe instinctively pushed him away.

But he caught her hand, threading his fingers through hers. "Come on, let's go inside."

"..."

"Oh, and make sure you check the walk-in closet. I left a surprise for you."

With that, he hurried off.

Watching his retreating figure, Chloe let out a long sigh of relief.

She hadn't even realized she was actually thankful for Jenna's perfectly timed phone call.

She was about to leave when Wendy came rushing out.

"Ma'am, where are you going? Come inside! The doctor has been waiting forever!"

Chloe stopped, swallowed her annoyance, and turned back toward the house.

"Ms. Reed," the family doctor greeted her with a nod.

In the past, Preston was always swamped with work, routinely staying at the office until dawn and often skipping meals. For the sake of his health, Chloe used to constantly consult this doctor for wellness tips, so they knew each other well.

Not wanting to make his job difficult, she didn't argue and quietly went through the examination.

Perhaps she was just too exhausted, but halfway through the checkup, she leaned back on the couch and drifted off to sleep.

When she regained consciousness, a searing body heat was pressed tightly against her.