Divorcing My Husband Over His Stepsister's Secret novel Chapter 237

Chapter 237

Anna’s POV:

He stepped toward me, taking the suitcase from my hand before pulling me into an embrace that felt rehearsed.

“How’d you get in so quietly? Like a cat,” he said, his voice smooth.

“Otherwise I wouldn’t have heard your phone call,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral despite the suspicion crawling up my spine.

Blake’s eyes narrowed slightly. “We had a deal, remember? Whoever leaves first has to kiss the other when they return.”

I stared at him, feeling nothing but disgust. The word “deal” in his mouth felt like an insult.

Before I could respond, Blake leaned down and kissed me forcefully, his lips cold against mine. I stood rigid until he pulled away.

“My dad’s health isn’t good. I don’t want him worried,” he explained, his expression softening. “That’s all.”

I stepped back. “Just like you want me to get pregnant quickly

His jaw tightened. “Anna, my dad’s condition is serious. I—”

“It’s fine, I cut him off. “I understand everything.”

to ease his mind, right?”

I moved past him toward the stairs, my chest tight with familiar resentment. As I reached the second floor, I spotted Claire leaning against the railing, a smug smile on her face.

“Blakey, she called down sweetly, “is Anna upset because you comforted me last night?” She turned to me, her voice dripping with false concern. “There’s no need to be jealous! We’ve always been like this. Blakey’s probably spent more nights comforting me than he has sleeping with you!”

My hands clenched. “Shut your mouth, or I’ll-”

“Go to your room,” Blake commanded firmly, appearing at my side. Claire’s eyes widened with faux innocence.

“Of course, Blakey. I always listen to you.” She glanced at me. “Don’t be mad at him, Anna. He works so hard every day.”

As she sauntered off, I started after her. “Stop right there!”

Blake moved between us, his stance protective–of her, not me. The realization stung worse than any insult Claire could throw.

“Don’t listen to her,” he said quietly. “She had nightmares last night and-”

“Enough!” I snapped. “I told you, I understand everything.”

I brushed past him, heading downstairs to the closet to pack. In my mind, one thought repeated endlessly: I will never be first in his life.

Blake followed me, watching as I pulled out my suitcase.

“You don’t want to stay here anymore?” he asked, his voice strained. “I’ll go with you.”

‘Business trip,” I replied, not looking up.

“Another one?”

I nodded. “Emily was impressed with my work. She wants me to handle more projects like this going forward. EcoMarine Group is pay mine—I can’t just collect paychecks for nothing.”

Blake’s expression hardened. ‘She’s already getting enough benefit. Now she’s ordering you around?”

1/2

Chapter 237

Blake! I looked up sharply. “She’s my friend!“.

“Fine,” he backtracked. Of course I support your work.” He paused. “You’re not just avoiding me because you’re angry?”

I crouched down, organizing clothes in my suitcase. I could feel his gaze on me, interise and searching. I didn’t dare lock up, afraid my eyes would ha thoughts.

Emily and I have an agreement,” I said finally. “We’re gradually increasing my time away. So you can get used to days without me

I hadn’t planned to increase the frequency of trips so soon. It might make Blake suspicious. But after heating his call and seeing Claire, I couldn’t get away fast enough. I no longer cared what Blake might think.

“When are you leaving?” he asked quietly.

“Tomorrow morning.”

We stood like well–practiced strangers, each behind our carefully constructed walls.

“That can wait then,” Blake said, crouching down and taking my hand. “Let’s finish later. Tonight, I’ll cook dinner and you can help. Whatever you want to

eat.”

I tried to pull away, but he held firm. Despite myself, I laughed a short, defeated sound

“Blake, you don’t have to do this. I’m not mad. I really do have work, so you don’t need to lower yourself to cooking for me.”

I tugged at my hand again. “Can you let go? I’ll finish packing and get out of here. I don’t like being in this closet. It’s too small.

His eyes darkened as he slowly released my hand. “Now you’re saying you’re not upset? You told me before that you loved every part of this house!

“That was before,” I said. “I used to like you too. Not anymore.”

“Not even ‘one point‘ or ‘two points‘?” I added, remembering his ridiculous point system.

Blake’s face fell. “Anna? You’re definitely upset. Let me explain again—I called my dad because I don’t want him worried. As for Claire, if you don’t want to live here, we can move. You don’t have to be angry about this!”

“You’re right. There’s no need.”

I looked directly at him. “No need for you to pretend to be so devoted in front of me. The funny thing is, we have a simple business arrangement, yet you insist on putting on this show. You can’t even keep your own script straight.”

‘What business arrangement?” he demanded.

“Between us!” I enunciated each word carefully. “You help me with Emily and Seth’s problems, and I stay with you. That simple.”

I took his hand and pressed my lips to the back of it. “I’ll stay by your side. I don’t care why you want to keep me here, or who else you’re with. None of it matters to me. So there’s no reason to be angry, and no need for you to pretend to be sick. It’s unnecessary.”

Blake clutched at his chest, his expression pained. “My symptoms have actually returned. I wasn’t lying about that. They’re just not severe enough to need you watching me constantly. I can keep myself safe. His voice dropped. “My needing you isn’t fake.”

Chapter Comments