The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 246

Chapter 246

Chapter 246

As Chloe’s figure vanished from the terrace, Ian’s body slumped unconsciously, collapsing against the railing.

tan’s hollow eyes were lost in the endless night sky. With anguish, he shut his eyes, letting the tears flow freely down his checks.

The girl who had loved him with all her heart would never come back.

The pain lodged deep in his heart slowly radiated to every part of his body, making lan curl up in agony and desperately pound his chest.

The island’s chilly wind slowly crusted the blood on the floor, its sting finally bringing lan out of his pain- induced blackout.

Numbly, he scanned his surroundings, only to realize he was still lying on the same spot.

Ian’s bloodshot eyes locked on the direction of the bedroom, his lips shaking uncontrollably.

He struggled to his feet, grabbing the railing for support, and spent a long moment gathering himself before finally heading back inside.

At the bedroom door, lan stopped in his tracks.

The door was half–open, and the light was still on inside.

Chloe sat on the bed, wrapped up in a blanket, arms curled around herself as she stared into nothingness, looking more vulnerable than ever.

Ian moved forward, his heart heavy with worry for Chloe, but just as his hand touched the doorknob, a sudden thought stopped him in his tracks.

He paused, looking down at the dried blood staining his white shirt. With a heavy sigh, he slowly let go of the doorknob.

‘Chloe’s always been obsessed with cleanliness, Jan thought to himself.

If she sees me like this, she’ll probably just want to avoid me altogether, he couldn’t help but think.

lan turned around and leaned against the wall by the bedroom door, his hands clenched so tightly at his sides. that they shook.

Ian and Chloe….

There was no going back for them now.

Overwhelmed by the heartbreak, lan bit down hard on the back of his hand to stifle his sobs, refusing to let a single sound escape.

When he heard footsteps at the staircase, lan quickly turned to face the wall, not wanting anyone to see him

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Chapter 246

in such a wretched state

Machell lowered his voice and reminded lan, “Mr. Hamilton, it’s time for your medication,”

fan leaned forward against the wall, silent and struggling for what felt like an eternity.

Finally, he told Mitchell, “Book a flight. We’re heading back tomorrow morning.”

Mitchell, afraid fan might change his mind, quickly agreed and rushed downstairs.

Neither of them got much sleep at all that night.

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When Chloe came downstairs the next morning, lan was already in the kitchen making breakfast.

She stopped at the staircase, hesitated for a moment, then turned and went back upstairs.

Jan stepped over to block her path.

Their eyes met.

Chloe couldn’t help but frown, a flash of discomfort crossing her face.

Just one night had changed everything. Jan’s eyes were swollen, veins shot through with angry red, and his face looked almost deathly pale–so worn out it was almost scary.

Jan spoke, his voice hoarse and rough.

Struggling to get the words out, his tone so humble it bordered on pitiful, Ian said softly, “Mitchell cooked breakfast. You can have some.”

Chloe felt suffocated inside. She pushed past lan and went back upstairs.

Jan grabbed her arm, his voice rough and strained. “After breakfast, I’ll take you home.”

Chloe snapped back, her expression guarded.

She scrutinized him, her eyes full of doubt. “Are you serious?”

Chloe was standing a few steps up on the staircase, while lan waited below; their eyes met, perfectly level, tense between them.

Ian edged forward, careful not to scare Chloe, his whole posture guarded and hopeful.

He hesitated, then gently took hold of Chloe’s hands, searching her gaze. “I promised you–I won’t ever lie to you again. Not now, not ever.”

Ian tried to steady his voice, emotions swirling in his eyes. “I know how annoying I’ve been–so desperate, so stubborn. I don’t blame you if you can’t stand me.”

He went on softly, “I really do know I messed up. I’m not making excuses or trying to control you. All I want is to bring you home, to have you close again.”

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Chapter 246)

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Ian’s voice shook as he pleaded, “Maybe I just rushed things, I really don’t know how to get you to forgive me… but I’m serious about this–I want to spend my whole life with you. I swear!”

They faced each other up close, their gazes clashing in an electric, heavy silence.

He stood firm in front of Chloe, steeling himself–this time, he wouldn’t back down.

His eyes bloodshot and unwavering, Ian looked at Chloe and said, word by word, “If this is really what you want, I’ll respect your choice–and give you your freedom.”

Chloe kept her eyes fixed on lan’s face, searching every expression–she simply couldn’t bring herself to trust

She spoke without hesitation, voice cutting through the tension. “Tan. I want you to swear–to swear on everything you hold dear. Promise me you’ll never mess with my life or my family ever again. Promise you’ll never hurt anyone around me. Promise you’ll never come near me for the rest of your life!”

After Chloe finished speaking, they stared at each other in silence for what felt like an eternity.

The air around them was so thick and still, it felt like time itself had frozen.

Tears streamed down his face as he moved lan held Chloe’s hand with one hand, raising his other hand high

By now, his voice was raw and thick with tears, each word cracking under the weight of his emotion.

But all Chloe gave back was a cold, merciless, “Keep going.”

twisted through lan’s chest, making him stumble back a step, barely able to keep standing.

Meeting Chloe’s icy eyes again, Ian’s voice was hoarse with pain as he swore, “I swear, I’ll never come near you again. If I ever break this vow, may I suffer and die with no peace!”

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They stared at each other for an impossibly long time, neither one backing down.

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lan gripped the staircase railing, hunched over, unable to take his eyes off Chloe as she quietly ate. His cheat ached so much it felt suffocating, forcing him to struggle for each breath.

Even if he never earned her forgiveness, even if he could never have her back in his life.

He would still spend the rest of his days protecting her, trying to make amends, no matter what.

Ian stood alone by the staircase for a long time before finally making his way over to the dining table.

He sat across from Chloe, quietly watching her cat.

Seeing how intent she was on her meal, lan picked up his spoon and took a spoonful of the porridge.

Bitter flooded Ian’s mouth, but he forced it down anyway, each swallow rough like sandpaper.

The porridge tasted like regret–nothing but bitter.

Ian’s hand shook, the spoon clattering ever so slightly as he fought to keep composed.

“I’m going upstairs to change. Take your time,” Chloe said, her voice flat and distant.

Chloe went upstairs to pack her things for leaving, and Ian slowly got to his feet, his movements heavy with

exhaustion.

Ten minutes later, they walked side by side out of the island villa, the silence between them thick as they made their way toward the helicopter.

As the helicopter blades thundered in the air, Chloe felt the tightness in her body finally loosen, her nerves unwinding at last.

Ian was the kind of man who always put his own interests above everything else.

She’d never expected him to stay on this island with her for long anyway.

Jan suddenly stopped, his voice gentle as he pleaded, “Chloe, will you walk with me to the beach? Just one more time, please?”

Chloe’s expression turned icy. “Ian, don’t forget what you just swore.”

lan fought to hide it, tried to hold himself together, but his eyes–already red and swollen–couldn’t help filling with tears all over again.

His voice was raspy, every word soaked in exhaustion.

He spoke as humbly as he could, “Maybe when I leave this time… there really won’t be a next time.”

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