Dear Wife, I Hate You (by Josephine Mbanefo) novel Chapter 74

Lilith’s Pov

I sat there in Killian’s mother’s room, fingers tangled nervously in my lap, twisting and untwisting. The silence in the room was loud. Too loud. I wanted to get up, to leave, but a part of me was frozen. Waiting. Hoping. Dreading.

What if she comes back and tells me he said nothing? Or worse… what if he said exactly what I fear?

Just then, the door creaked open, and my heart jumped, only to settle awkwardly when I realized it wasn’t her.

It was Killian’s dad.

“Oh, my dear,” he said with a warm smile. “How are you?”

I stood up a little too fast. “I’m fine, sir.”

He stepped in fully. “I hope you’re alright?”

“Yes, I’m just waiting for… your wife. We were having a discussion,” I said, trying to sound calm.

He nodded knowingly. “Ah, a girls‘ discussion?”

I gave a faint chuckle. “Yes, something like that. I can always come back later if she’s busy.”

He waved his hand. “No need for that. I only came to grab a few things for the driver. We’re packing up. No use just sitting here waiting.”

“Okay,” I said quietly.

I watched as he moved around the room, gathering luggage, his movements efficient and familiar, like a man used to handling life with a kind of steady patience. There was something oddly comforting about it. Maybe it was how he didn’t ask too many questions. Or how, even though he knew nothing of the storm in my chest, he was still kind.

sed. Then Killian’s mom returned, just as her husband was carrying the last bag out. The moment her eyes narrowed slightly.

I hope you didn’t say anything to her,” she said with a raised brow.

He chuckled. “I didn’t even open my mouth. I just carried my bags.”

“I trust you,” she said, smirking playfully.

And just like that, the air between them shifted. There was love in the way they looked at each other. That quiet, familiar, soft kind of love that years couldn’t erase. I caught myself staring… wishing. Wishing so hard it almost hurt.

Then Killian’s dad left, and his mother turned to me with a reassuring smile

I let out a small breath, one I hadn’t even realized I was holding. “Thank you.” I whispered.

She nodded. “Now, will you excort me out? I want to see your face as I leave. I’m going to come back soon.

I smiled softly I  be expecting you.”

“Or,” she said with a glint in her eyes, “you can come visit me.”

Td love that.”

We both stood. I took one of her bags, and together we stepped outside into the sunlight.

The driveway was alive with goodbyes.

Emily and Maya were tangled in each other’s arms like they were trying to hold time still. Their voices overlapped in low whispers and giggles, their eyes red, but their smiles real.

Nolan was standing close by, quiet and observant.

Killian stood off to the side, like a statue, expression unreadable, body tense. Not even a glance in my direction.

But Nolan… Nolan saw me. His eyes softened when they met mine. He gave me a small, knowing smile.

I smiled back.

It didn’t fix anything, but it made me feel seen.

Killian’s mother hugged Nolan, then Killian. His father did the same. Neither of the boys reacted much, but I could tell… there was love there. Even if it was silent.

Then she came over to me.

“Take care of yourself, Lilith,” she said, gently squeezing my hands. “And please… if you ever need to talk, just call me.”

“Thank you,” I said, meaning every word.

With one final look, she stepped into the car. Emily gave Maya one last dramatic hug and waved as the car pulled away. Maya waved too, her face pressed against the window.

Then they were gone.

Just like that.

As the dust settled and quiet returned, I saw Nolan pull Killian aside. They spoke briefly, in hushed tones. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but their expressions were serious. Focused.

Then, Killian turned and started walking toward his house. He got in. No words. No glances. Nothing.

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