fool

Chapter 25 

Jaden reminded himself that it was natural for relationships to evolve over the years. If nothing had happened, that would have been the real surprise. Still, it hurt to hear about it. 

“Shut up,” he snapped. “My relationship isn’t up for your commentary.” With that, he stood to leave. 

Harry couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “No way… You’re not actually in love with her, are you? I guess that makes sense. Why else would you make enemies for her sake? Ella really knows how to play the game, believe me. You’re definitely not the first man she’s charmed, and with her skills, there will be many more. She just can’t stand being alone.” 

Jaden ignored him and walked away. Once in his car, despite the windows being wide open, he still felt stifled. He loosened his tie to let in more fresh air. Harry’s mocking voice still rang in his ears. “You’re not actually in love with her, are you…” 

Jaden thought, ‘No, that isn’t it! We are married now, and no man would tolerate being made a fool of; that must be why I have reacted. If Ella and I were to divorce, I wouldn’t care less about what happened to her. It has to be that simple; why else should I care about how many men she had and what she looked liked when having sex with them?‘ 

Ella got home very late. Just twenty–four hours since everything had unfolded, yet her emotions had been through a rollercoaster. 

She had been played by Grace, caught in a storm of public opinion, with everyone expecting her to sacrifice herself for the greater good. She too felt that this time, she was truly finished. She wondered what she would do if Marcus didn’t make that call. 

Desperate, she had even considered taking a knife to Harry, forcing him at knifepoint to spill the whole truth. It was a ridiculous idea, but she was at her wit’s end. 

There was no way she could stoop to sleeping with Harry. That was revolting, almost worse than death. 

Thankfully, Marcus had stepped in and helped her immensely. She no longer had to worry about the business side of things, and she could handle the gossip. She hadn’t seen results yet, but she trusted him. 

Her mood fluctuating wildly, she finally reached home and collapsed on the sofa, exhausted. ‘So tired!‘ She closed her eyes, feeling someone approach. Guessing it was Jaden, she didn’t resist. 

“I passed a new dessert shop with a long line, so I bought a few treats for you. Try them later… um…” 

She suddenly opened her eyes wide. A handsome face was inches from hers. Exhausted, her brain was slow to react, and she hadn’t even noticed the alcohol on his breath. 

It wasn’t until he pressed his lips firmly against hers, parting them with force, that the overpowering scent of alcohol enveloped her, jolting her to her senses. 

“Have you been drinking?” Her first reaction wasn’t about the kiss, but that he had been drinking. She pushed him away forcefully, instantly feeling wide awake. 

Jaden, clearly having had quite a bit to drink, had a pale face now flushed with red. His cars were also bright red, glowing like two rubies. Despite his unfocused gaze, he pinned her down, unwilling to let go. 

“Why are you drinking?” she scolded. 

Jaden frowned, not liking her preachy tone. “I’m not a child.” 

Ignoring everything, he leaned in again, capturing her lips and savoring their sweetness. Her lips were soft and tender, and he nibbled on them as if they were the most delicious pastry he’d ever tasted. This was less of a kiss and more of… devouring. 

She thought, ‘A fool is still a fool, lacking experience in these matters!‘ She was both amused and annoyed by his clumsy attempts, but she didn’t get mad even when it hurt. 

Reflecting on herself, she realized that ever since he had taken a bad fall, she treated him more like a teenage brother than a man, despite him being a few years older than her. 

She thought, ‘Maybe it is time to consider trying for a child? It is my ovulation period, after all. Thinking this, her cheeks flushed even redder than his from the alcohol. 

Gathering her courage, her trembling hand reached for the buttons on his shirt. Jaden, who was lost in the kiss, suddenly froze, 

In that moment, Harry’s words filled his mind. He wouldn’t be the first. She would go after many others. The way she seduced Harry in bed, she’d do the same to him. Jaden thought, “This woman… is tainted! And not worth it! 

He abruptly sobered up, grabbing her wandering hand with a grip too strong, causing her pain. 

“You…” She paused, surprised. She thought, Weren’t you very eager just moments ago?‘ 

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4:04 PM 

Chapter 25 

He pulled back slightly, and a cold draft made her shiver inexplicably. 

Despite his seemingly harmless appearance, his gaze was so intense it felt like a black hole, ready to swallow her whole. 

The intensity of his stare made her scalp tingle, and she instinctively moved away. “What… what’s wrong with you?” 

“Do you do this with everyone, or just me?” His voice was icy. 

“What do you mean?” she asked, confused. 

Jaden frowned, suspecting that she, a veteran of romantic entanglements, was pretending to be innocent with him. He thought, ‘Are you this forward with every man? With Harry too?‘ The thought annoyed him. ‘Why should I bother with her personal life?‘ 

“Eat the cake,” he suddenly said, reaching for the cake behind Ella. 

What followed was surreal. A drunk man quietly eating cake, completely different from his earlier frenzy. Now embarrassed, she subconsciously touched her lips, wondering if it had all been an illusion. 

“Why did you drink?” She asked. 

“Out of curiosity. Wanted to try it.” 

“And why did you kiss me just now?” 

“Curiosity. Wanted to kiss.” 

Ella was speechless, thinking, ‘A fool’s thoughts indeed follow a different path.’ 

Frustrated and somewhat angry, she challenged him, “Then why don’t you just randomly try this with someone else?” 

“You are my wife; I can only do this with you.” 

“Oh, you’re clear on that,” she said sarcastically, unable to suppress her cynicism. 

“And you? Do you know you’re my wife?” he shot back. 

“I know you’re a big fat nothing!” she retorted, storming off angrily. 

He had flirted with her, kissed her passionately, leading her thoughts astray, only to claim it was out of curiosity. And that was the end of it! She couldn’t very well force anything more; how absurd. 

Now she felt a knot of frustration painfully lodged inside her. She turned and walked away. 

Jaden didn’t usually eat late–night snacks, but since she had brought it, he ate it all, though his mood dampened the flavor. 

Having calmed down, he felt foolish for letting Harry’s words drive him to drink excessively and nearly embarrass himself. He didn’t care for Ella, so why should he care about her romantic life? He definitely didn’t want to know. Absolutely not! 

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