The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 173

"Did I wake you?"

Preston's low voice vibrated right next to her ear.

Chloe snapped fully awake. She opened her eyes to total darkness.

Somehow, she had been moved to the large bed in the master bedroom, and he was spooning her from behind, holding her tight.

She immediately scrambled up, shoving him away with all her strength.

Preston was taken aback. He reached out to soothe her. "Did you have a nightmare?"

"Don't touch me!"

The defensive glare in her eyes stung him. His chest tightened as a wave of guilt and self-blame washed over him.

"It's okay. You're safe. I'm right here..."

He reached for her again.

Chloe dodged his hands, her voice freezing over.

"Why am I in here?"

Preston frowned slightly, seemingly confused by her sudden hostility.

"I saw you asleep on the couch when I got back, so I carried you to bed. Are you seriously mad about that?"

Chloe didn't answer. She grabbed her jacket and headed for the door.

They were on the verge of becoming strangers. They were supposed to draw a clear line and never see each other again, yet here they were, sharing a bed.

The sheer absurdity and lack of boundaries made her skin crawl with anger and discomfort.

"Chloe."

He got up and chased after her.

"Jenna only called me today about work stuff. That's it."

He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, softening his tone. "Why haven't you looked at the gift I got you?"

On the surface, she acted like she didn't care, but he was convinced she was still upset that he had left to see Jenna.

Without taking no for an answer, Preston pulled her into the walk-in closet and flicked on the lights.

Under the warm glow, a velvet jewelry box sat quietly on the massive island counter.

"Open it. See if you like it."

Chloe stared straight into his eyes.

She pulled her hand back and lightly tilted her wrist. The ruby ring slipped right off her slender finger and tumbled through the air.

Preston lunged to catch it, but missed.

His expression shifted. "I'm sorry. I..."

Chloe didn't say another word. She turned on her heel and walked out.

Leaving Preston standing there in stunned silence.

How could he have gotten her ring size wrong?

...

Chloe locked herself in the guest room. As soon as the sun came up, she got ready to leave.

But the moment she pulled the front door open, she ran straight into a group of people pacing outside.

They looked just as surprised to see her.

A middle-aged man was the first to react. He stepped forward.