You're Just My Ex-Husband,My Lord-Chapter 139- He was doing this on purpose!

Dave knew very well that it was best to just vent a little and not push things too far. If he truly angered her and she insisted on getting out of the car, it would be a loss he couldn’t afford.

So, the rest of the journey was spent in complete silence. Eventually, they arrived safely at the Villas.

As Laurent stepped through the door, her emotions were incredibly complex. When she had walked out of this door back then, she hadn’t planned on looking back, let alone imagined that one day she would return.

And yet, here she was...

Her mind was in turmoil, and she didn’t want to dwell on anything. Keeping her head down, she entered the apartment in silence. Dave followed behind her, carrying her suitcase.

Laurent took a moment to survey the apartment—familiar yet strangely foreign. Compared to when she had left, not much had changed. It was still clean and tidy.

A man like him surely wouldn’t bother with chores like cleaning. If the place was kept spotless, it must be because housekeeping came regularly.

Thinking about it now, perhaps that had been her only value to him in the past—just another form of housekeeping.

She let out a wry chuckle at the thought.

Dave frowned at the sight of that self-mocking smile on her lips.

"What are you laughing at?"

He didn’t like that smile at all. It made her seem pitiful—distant.

He preferred the way she used to smile so brightly, carefree and full of life. Even if she had been a little reckless at times, he still liked that version of her far more than this quiet and withdrawn one.

He wanted to bring back the happiness she once had.

He had hurt her and taken that smile away from her.

But that was fine. He would help her find it again.

"Nothing," she replied.

Laurent turned her gaze away, refusing to look at him. But Dave was relentless—he stepped forward and forcefully turned her back to face him.

"If it’s nothing, then why are you smiling like that?"

"If you’re unhappy with me, or with how the house is set up, just say it."

Dave had indeed arranged for a cleaning service to tidy up the entire place. He knew she liked things neat and spotless—absolutely pristine.

Laurent took a step back and gave him a faint smile.

"I’m only staying here temporarily for a few days. I have no complaints."

He wanted her to voice her dissatisfaction with him?

Would he change if she did?

A man as domineering and controlling as him—would he really listen to her? Would he actually let her have control over him?

Hearing the word **"temporarily"** made Dave’s chest tighten with frustration. He glared at her sharply, and Laurent, unwilling to back down, met his gaze head-on.

In the vast living room, the two of them stood locked in a silent battle, exchanging looks like a test of will.

Laurent’s eyes were beautiful—bright and clear. But right now, as if determined to overpower him in this staring contest, she widened them more and more, making her appear somewhat adorably stubborn instead.

Dave couldn’t help it—he burst out laughing. His deep, magnetic laughter echoed in the unusually quiet room.

"Do you think widening your eyes makes you more intimidating?"

For a man like him, one who had spent years navigating the business world—where victories were often won through nothing but eye contact and sheer presence—her little tactic was laughably naive.

No matter how composed or mature she tried to act, the longer she held his gaze, the more cracks appeared in her façade.

Laurent, completely embarrassed, quickly averted her eyes. She stepped forward and grabbed her suitcase.

"It’s late. I’m going to sleep."

Dave watched her, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Feel free to pick any room you want," he said, his voice laced with meaning. "Though, I imagine you’d prefer the master bedroom. After all, you’ve lived there for so many years... it must feel like home, doesn’t it?"

Laurent, of course, understood the implication behind his words.

"I’ll sleep in the guest room. No matter how accustomed I was, I can get used to something else!"

With that, she turned and carried her suitcase into the guest room, locking the door behind her.

Was he implying that she couldn’t live without it—without him, without this home?

He had no idea. If she couldn’t let go, it was because a part of her still held on, still had hope. But once that hope disappeared, once her heart was completely empty, she’d be able to leave without a second thought.

Hearing the sound of her locking the door, Dave let out a helpless laugh before turning and heading into the master bedroom.

Laurent entered her room and hung her clothes in the wardrobe, intending to shower and change. But when she grabbed her toiletries, she suddenly realized—there was no bathroom or shower in the guest room. She would have to use the bathroom outside.

She felt a little frustrated. If she’d known, she would have just stayed in the master bedroom. It had its own bathroom, and she could hide in there, avoiding any encounters with him.

But now, being in the guest room meant she’d have to leave every time she needed to use the bathroom or shower. What if he happened to be outside? Wouldn’t they run into each other again?

The moment she heard the words "master bedroom," Laurent was flooded with memories she shouldn’t be thinking about. It was the place where, for five years, they had shared countless nights, lying side by side. How could she possibly calmly move back in there?

But then she thought, it was late now, and he’d probably be in his room by now, showering and resting. She should be fine going out to the bathroom to shower.

Earlier, at Adeline’s place, she had intended to shower and get ready for bed, but Eddie had returned just then, making it inconvenient, so she had skipped it.

Pressing her clothes against the door, she listened carefully and, hearing no sound from the outside, she gently opened the door. She peeked out, and sure enough, he wasn’t there. She hurriedly dashed into the bathroom and locked the door, finally feeling at ease as she began to shower.

Not long after Laurent entered the bathroom, the door to the master bedroom opened. Dave, freshly showered and feeling refreshed, stepped out. He was only wearing a pair of casual pants and nothing else on top.

His body was lean and muscular, with not a trace of excess fat.

Dave heard the sound of water from the bathroom and glanced over with interest. He then walked over to the bar between the kitchen and dining area, poured himself a drink, and began sipping it leisurely.

As he drank, his gaze kept drifting toward the bathroom. The alcohol fueled his imagination, and images of the countless nights they had shared flooded his mind. His throat began to feel dry, and no amount of alcohol seemed to help the dryness.

As he struggled with the sensation, the sound of running water from the bathroom stopped. His expression darkened, and he placed his glass down before striding toward the bathroom.

After showering and getting dressed, Laurent made sure to wear something more covered up, just in case. Once her hair was dry, she opened the door and stepped out.

She was startled when she saw a figure standing by the door. Upon a closer look, she realized he wasn’t wearing a shirt—only a pair of casual pants. The waistband clung to his strong waist, and she could faintly see the firm lines of his muscles.

She was so annoyed she almost turned around and rushed back into the bathroom.

He was doing this on purpose!

He was absolutely doing this on purpose!

He deliberately dressed like this in front of her, trying to tempt her with his masculinity.