Chapter 96: Chapter 96: If I Don’t Agree, You Can’t Leave

Walker was acting up again, and Chloe Reed was terrified he would do something to her in the car.

She tried to control her emotions and said, "Walker Grant, don’t do anything crazy. I have to work tomorrow."

But Walker Grant just kissed her, paying her no mind.

His large hand slipped inside her clothes, pressing against her curves. He touched and caressed her with a practiced familiarity.

Her body trembled uncontrollably.

She bit her lip, determined not to make a sound.

Suddenly, she felt a dull, pulling ache in her lower abdomen.

A wave of relief washed over her, and she said, "Walker Grant, I’m on my period!"

Sure enough, the man on top of her froze.

He pushed himself up slightly, frowning as he thought. Then he realized it was, in fact, that time of the month.

His gaze was heavy as he stared down at her, clearly seeing the relief in her eyes.

Suddenly, he seized her chin and crushed his lips against hers once more.

Her lips were nearly numb by the time he finally released her.

The car door finally opened. Chloe Reed let out a shaky breath, but before she could get out, he scooped her up into his arms.

Chloe Reed tensed. "What are you doing?"

Walker Grant strode toward the villa, saying coolly, "Do you take me for an animal?"

Chloe Reed almost said, ’Aren’t you?’

But in the end, she held her tongue.

’His moods have been so volatile lately. I’d better not provoke him.’

Upon entering the villa’s living room, the familiar surroundings met her eyes. Chloe Reed’s gaze wavered, and a profound sadness washed over her.

’I remember waiting in that corner for him to come back every time he left.’

’But every time, he was just going to see another woman, to dote on another’s child...’

’It made me feel so pathetic.’

’That’s why I didn’t want to come back.’

’I hate it here.’

Walker Grant carried her all the way to the master bedroom, set her on the bed, and then went to rummage through the cabinets.

After a moment, he came back and said, "We’re out. I’ll go buy some. Don’t go wandering off."

Chloe Reed said nothing, her expression complicated as she watched him turn and leave.

The pain in her abdomen was getting more intense, and besides, she didn’t have the strength to leave.

She decided to take a hot shower and get into bed, which would be more comfortable.

Walker Grant returned quickly. He’d bought the brand she always used. He set the bag down, then turned and left the room again.

After taking care of things, Chloe Reed was about to leave. As she reached the living room, however, she saw Walker Grant busy in the kitchen.

She stopped in her tracks, that familiar, bittersweet ache rising in her chest once more.

After they got together, her periods had been agonizing. The pain was awful, leaving her completely drained of strength.

He had eventually sought out a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and gotten a recipe for a medicinal tonic to replenish her energy and blood. Afterward, every time that special day arrived, he would brew it for her.

Whether it was a placebo effect or not, she never knew, but drinking it always made her feel better.

Chloe Reed tightened her grip on the banister, then walked toward the front door.

But, to her astonishment, the front door was locked!

"I knew you’d try to leave," a cool, detached male voice sounded from behind her. "Can’t you just behave when you’re not feeling well? What’s wrong with staying here? You’re the one who picked out this marital home."

Chloe Reed’s back went rigid. "I chose you, too," she said. "But now, I don’t want any of it anymore."

Walker Grant’s grip tightened on the spoon in his hand, his expression darkening. "Then you should be perfectly clear about one thing: if I don’t want you to go, you’re not going anywhere."

Chloe Reed’s expression turned grim. She turned to look at him coldly, but her glare held no real threat—her face was already growing pale.