The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

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In the dead of night, Ian returned home. The house was plunged in total darkness, every light turned off. Unused to the emptiness, he paused for a moment in the doorway before finally switching on the lights.

Throughout their three years of marriage, no matter how late he returned, Chloe would always be waiting for him on the living room sofa, with the TV casting a soft glow across the room.

The moment she saw him, she would run over barefoot, leap into his arms, and cling to him playfully, refusing to let go. But tonight, she hadn’t even left a single light on for him. It was then that he realized she was truly angry.

Dragging his tired feet into the bedroom, he found it still enveloped in darkness. With the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains, he turned on the bedside lamp. The sudden light made Chloe instinctively bury her face deeper into the pillow.

Ian sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to gently brush the stray hair from her forehead, checking to see if she was truly asleep.

But Chloe kept her face buried, refusing to show any response. After a moment’s hesitation, Ian turned away and walked into the bathroom.

Listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom, Chloe slowly opened her eyes. Her damp eyelashes fluttered faintly as she drew a shaky breath. Then she buried her face deeper into the pillow.

Ian stepped out of the bathroom wearing a dark bathrobe, his hair still damp and dripping. He bent down quietly to check on Chloe. When he saw she was still asleep, he switched off the lamp and retreated alone to his study.

The study was dark. Ian stood by the window, lit a cigarette, and held up the diamond bracelet in his hand. ‘She couldn’t have found out. If she had, with her temperament, she would have made a scene. Her bracelet turning up on the 13th floor must be a coincidence, Ian thought.

*****

Early the next morning, Chloe got up, washed, and got ready to bring breakfast to her parents. Ian stepped out of the walk–in closet, fully dressed. Without any intention of speaking to Ian, Chloe simply picked up her phone and turned to leave.

Ian moved swiftly in front of her, his hand closing around her empty wrist. “Where’s the bracelet? Why aren’t you wearing it?” His eyes held hers, demanding an answer.

Chloe lowered her eyes, her voice coming out hoarse and barely audible. “I’m not sure,” she murmured. “Maybe I lost it somewhere.” She tried to pull her wrist back, avoiding his gaze.

lan ignored her hoarse voice and fixed her with a penetrating stare. “I ran into Carl last night,” he said, his tone deliberate and searching. He watched her closely, waiting for any shift in her expression.

Only then did Chloe realize he was testing her. She took a deep breath and met his gaze directly. “After we parted ways last night, I went back to the hospital to check on my mom. Carl mentioned he saw you heading to the 13th floor. I went up to look for you, but when I couldn’t find you, I decided to come home.”

lan took the diamond bracelet from his pocket. “You dropped this at the hospital,” he said, holding it out to her. “I found it and brought it back for you.” He carefully avoided the real issue, never explaining what had brought him there in the first place.

lan tried to fasten the bracelet around Chloe’s wrist once more, but she pushed his hand away and drew her arm back firmly. “I don’t want it,” she said, her voice quiet but resolute.

For once, lan tried to coax her patiently. “Just wear this for now,” he said, his voice softening. “Once I wrap things up at work, I’ll take you to pick out a new one. You can get anything you want.”

Chloe felt as if she were losing her mind. All the resentment and helplessness she had suppressed for days erupted at that moment,

Her composure shattered completely. “I said I don’t want it! I don’t want gifts that aren’t exclusive! And I don’t want a husband who isn’t fully mine!*

Seeing Chloe finally lose her temper, lan felt a wave of private relief. ‘She’s been spoiled since she was little, always gets emotional when she doesn’t get her way. So that’s all this is. She’s just mad that the bracelet wasn’t exclusive.”

Ian naturally wrapped his hands around Chloe’s slender waist and leaned in to kiss her. But the moment their lips met, she pushed him away with unexpected force.

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When she became an adult, she was affectionate and clingy, always cuddling up to him and asking for kisses. After marriage, she slowly left her childish ways behind and became a gentle, thoughtful wife, always ready to care for him.

No matter which version of her it was, she had always been bright, confident, and carried herself with dignity. She had never acted like a shrew, had never been hysterical, and certainly had never screamed at Ian like this.

“We’ll talk when you’ve calmed down,” Ian said, his voice flat and distant. Without another word or a single glance back, he turned and walked out the door, leaving her alone in the tense, heavy silence.

Just then, Mia arrived to see Chloe. Ian glanced toward the second floor and said, “She’s in a bad mood. I’ll order some food for her. Later, you make sure she eats something and take her out for a walk to lift her spirits.” Without waiting for a reply, he was already gone.

This isn’t the first time she has faked passing out. Before, whenever she made me angry, she’d pretend to faint, act sick, or play the victim. Every time I saw that pitiful look on her face, I’d give in. But this time she has gone too far. She needs to cool down on her own, lan thought.

Mia rushed upstairs and entered the master bedroom. Her heart dropped when she saw Chloe lying motionless on the floor.

She hurried over to help Chloe up, only to realize Chloe had truly passed out. Panicked, she immediately tried calling lan, but the line was busy. With no other choice, she finally dialed 911.

When Chloe woke, she found herself in a hospital room. Her sister–in–law, Mia and mother–in–law Miranda Hamilton were both standing by her bed.

Seeing Chloe awake, Miranda moved closer and asked with concern, “Chloe, are you feeling better now?”

Chloe nodded weakly, her voice barely a whisper. “Miranda,” she murmured, “why am I in the hospital?” She tried to sit up slightly, her eyes confused and weary.

Mia gently helped Chloe sit up, propping a pillow behind her back for support. “Chloe,” she said softly, “you fainted at home earlier.”

Chloe slowly regained her memory. She remembered arguing with lan, biting him, and then being thrown off balance. She glanced around the ward and asked Mia. “Did Ian bring me here and then just leave?”