The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 31

Chloe sidestepped him. "This has nothing to do with you."

Preston grabbed her wrist, his voice cold and hard. "Mrs. Hayes, don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

She tugged hard, trying to free her hand, and snapped, "I'll say it again. It has nothing to do with you!"

Preston's gaze turned somber. In a fluid motion, he pinned her against the wall, his eyes locking onto hers. "Who is he? Where did you go? And why didn't you answer my calls?"

Chloe glared right back, her smile icy. "Mr. Hayes, haven't I already signed the papers? Instead of hovering around your precious female bestie, you're obsessing over who I'm with? What, do I still have some use to you?"

"Chloe!" Preston suppressed his rising temper. "I had no idea your mother was faking her illness."

Chloe laughed. "Sure, I believe you. After all, you've always been so wonderfully upfront and honest."

"Do you have to speak to me like that?"

Stung by her sarcasm, Preston's gaze darkened with raw emotion. He leaned in and captured her lips in a punishing, desperate kiss, as if trying to swallow all her hurtful words.

"Preston... Mmph... Let me go..."

The harder she struggled, the more forceful his kiss became, bordering on absolute dominance.

His large, sculpted hand slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, pressing against the small of her back. The sudden, electrifying warmth sent a violent shiver down her spine.

Until a salty tear finally slipped down her cheek.

Preston froze instantly. He stopped and pulled back.

Moonlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, catching the glistening tear on her face.

His Adam's apple bobbed. After a long, heavy silence, his voice came out hoarse. "Chloe... I know you're hurting."

He gently wiped the moisture from her cheek and pulled her into a tight, secure embrace.

"I swear, I'll never let anything upset you again."

Chloe found the entire display utterly laughable.

Preston handed her a beautifully wrapped gift box he had prepared earlier. "Open it."

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