He Cheated I Rose: Making Him Regret Everything (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Dreams and Deceptions

Finished

Arthur drifted through a dream where Chloe stood at the end of a long aisle, radiant in her wedding dress, smiling as she waited for him to approach. Even in his subconscious, this woman remained determined to marry him. Hadn’t she already achieved what she wanted?

Ha!

Suddenly, he felt a gentle touch–soft fingers tracing his face in a teasing caress. Arthur stirred but kept his eyes closed, playing possum.

Had Chloe returned?

After yesterday’s dramatic display, he’d decided to let it pass. Her provocative behavior had clearly been designed to get a reaction from him–and she’d succeeded brilliantly. She had managed to infuriate him completely.

Was she here now to apologize?

The sensation of her hand against his skin gradually softened his sour mood. At least Chloe recognized she’d gone too far. If she approached this reconciliation sincerely, he might consider forgiving her.

But then the touch traveled downward, slipping beneath the bedsheets. Arthur’s brow furrowed slightly.

Since when had Chloe become so bold?

They were married, true, but their physical relationship had always been… perfunctory. Was she actually initiating intimacy? This was unprecedented. He never imagined she could be so compliant.

Just as Arthur began enjoying the fantasy of Chloe attending to his needs, a saccharine voice whispered in his ear.

‘Arthur…”

The unfamiliar tone jolted him awake. He sat up abruptly, his momentary confusion turning to shock when he found Jennifer leaning over his bed.

“Jennifer!” Arthur drew a sharp breath, his mind reeling from the disorienting transition from imagining Chloe to confronting reality. He stared blankly for a moment before registering his surroundings–his own bedroom. “What are you doing here?”

Meeting his gaze, Jennifer offered a soft smile. “Your door was open, Arthur. I thought you were already awake. When I saw your blanket had slipped, I simply wanted to make you more comfortable.” Her delicate fingers gently adjusted the edge of the duvet.

Seeing her earnest expression, Arthur felt a flush of embarrassment. “Sorry to concern you. Did you and Jenarth sleep well? Is everything alright?”

Jennifer immediately shook her head. “We’re perfectly fine. Actually, I came to tell you that we’ve decided to move out and find a rental property.”

“Why would you leave?” Arthur’s expression shifted instantly. “Are you uncomfortable staying here?”

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11:50 pm DWMO

Chapter 16 Dreams and Deceptions

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Finished

“Not at all.” Jennifer demurred, shaking her head gently. “It’s just… I feel terribly guilty. You’ve done so much for us, taken such good care of us. But if Chloe discovers Jenarth and I are living here, she’ll certainly make another scene. You two keep arguing because of us, and your relationship is suffering. I’d never forgive myself. Please, just let us handle things on our own.”

“Don’t concern yourself with her,” Arthur snapped immediately. “You should stay here and make yourselves at home. This is Myers Manor–Chloe has no say in the matter. She’s merely throwing a tantrum. Once she comes to her senses and gets this nonsense out of her system, she’ll come crawling back.”

Jennifer’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “Arthur, this is all my fault…”

Hearing the choked quality in her voice, Arthur grew concerned she might become overwrought and faint again.

“Arthur, I’m truly sorry. If I weren’t so fragile, you wouldn’t be distracted, and Chloe wouldn’t be talking about divorce. If you two actually separate, I’ll forever be the other woman.” Jennifer delicately wiped the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

Witnessing her distress, Arthur threw off the covers and rose from the bed.

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