Chapter 25 lan stood outside the master bedroom , staring at the closed door . 55 vouchers Chloe words from the hospital kept ringing in his head . Annoyance churned in his chest . He turned and went to the study , lighting a cigarette . One , then another . He let the smoke carry away the frustration - or at least try to . Late into the night , he finally retrieved the bedroom key and stepped inside . The bedside lamp cast a soft glow . He sat on the edge of the bed , careful not to wake Chloe . Slowly , he fastened a diamond - studded bracelet around her wrist . Then , he brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead , and watched her sleep for a while before he finally went to shower . The next morning , Chloe stirred in Ian's arms , With a slight grimace , she slipped free , grabbed her phone , and glanced at the time . It was already eight , and it was Thursday . But Ian hadn't gone to the office . Chloe hummed . He must have come back late last night after tending to Andrea . She set her phone down - and froze . A diamond bracelet was right on her wrist . Recognizing the bracelet from last week's charity auction , Chloe reached for the clasp to take it off . But Ian , already woke up , suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind , holding her still . She squirmed , then he tightened his grip . Her back pressed against his chest . The thin fabric of sleepwear separated them , but the heat between them was undeniable . " The night you threatened me... I bought this for you at the auction ," said Ian , taking her hands in his , voice low and husky . " It's one of a kind . The only one in the world . " Chloe tilted her head , her heart aching . Ian hadn't gone to Andrea that night . He'd gone for her . Their eyes met . Ian leaned down and brushed a kiss against the corner of her mouth . But Chloe jerked awake and shoved him away . He bought her the bracelet , so what ? Chloe chuckled bitterly inside . That didn't change the fact that he'd reconciled with his first love , or that they had a son . She stood up , then retreated to the bathroom to freshen up . Ian followed her . At the double sink , the contrast was stark : her toothbrush white , his green . Her cup disposable , his the usual office mug . No matching towels - just single - use washcloths . Jan lowered his gaze , staring at the guest slippers on him and the cartoon ones on Chloe . He then stared at their reflection in the mirror . Since Chloe had smashed everything in the house that day , their marriage felt like this- mismatched , functional , but barely holding together . " I'm skipping the office today , " Ian spoke up after brushing , handing Chloe a face towel . " Shall we go to the supermarket later ? " Chloe snatched another face towel by herself , and then started to leave . " I don't need anything . Buy whatever you want . " She hadn't taken two steps when he spun her around , lifting her onto the counter . He parted her legs slightly, holding her in place . " Chloe , look at us ... " murmured Jan. " Do we even look like a married d couple right now ? " Chloe met his gaze without flinching . " Isn't this exactly what you wanted ? Keep appearances at home while having affairs outside . " Jan opened his mouth to speak up , but just then , his phone buzzed on the counter . He glanced at it , then turned it screen - down . " Relax , Chloe scoffed . " I won't touch your phone ever again . " T P Chapter 25 Jan studied her , expression softening , and drew her into his arms . " Can we not do this ? " he murmured . 55 vouchers Chloe closed her eyes , hiding the ache . If only she hadn't loved him so fiercely . If only she hadn't insisted on marrying him ... maybe she wouldn't hurt this much . " We weren't supposed to be like this , " she admitted , opening her eyes to meet lan's gaze again . Jan eased back slightly , stroking her face . " If I'd cheated , " he said softly , " I'd make space for you . I don't explain because I haven't . " " You haven't yet , " Chloe cut him off . " You're just afraid I'd ruin your reputation . " " No. " Ian pressed his forehead to hers . " If I could cheat , I could handle the aftermath . I'd never let myself be caught off guard . You know that . " Chloe looked down , silent . He was right . Ian was a businessman . He always did the calculation . " Trust me ," lan released her just enough , leaning close . " Just trust me , and I promise our marriage won't fall apart . " Chloe hesitated . " You're not worthy of my trust The air thickened , then Chloe shoved him . " If there's nothing left to say , put me down . " lan didn't let go . He caught her chin , sealing her lips with his . She clawed at his collar , struggling , but his strong body pinned her . He kissed her with ferocious intensity . Breaths tangled , hearts racing , and then - panic surged . She bit him hard . The taste of blood filled their mouths . Ian finally released her , chest heaving . Gently , he wiped a tear from her cheek . " We haven't slept together in a long time ," he murmured . " Andrea can't satisfy you , huh ? " Chloe shot back . Desire still flickered in Ian's eyes , but he said nothing . Calmly , he adjusted her sleepwear strap and carried her off the counter . " I'm going to shower , " he said , retreating to the bathroom . Chloe ordered takeout and changed clothes before heading downstairs . Three years of marriage had taught her Ian's relentless needs . But Andrea's return had kept him from her for over two months . She believed Ian spent the nights at Andrea's place . After her food arrived , Chloe sat alone , quietly eating breakfast . Ian , fully dressed , came downstairs and noticed the takeout box - there was only enough for one . lan knew Chloe wasn't much of a cook , but she'd learned simple meals over the past three years . She used to proudly bring him the dishes , coaxing and teasing him until he took a bite . She'd never ordered just one portion when he was home . Jan felt a pang in his chest , but he pushed it aside and stepped into the dining room . " My mom called . We're heading to Hamilton Manor tonight , " he said .