is meant for met Howell stilled. He thought, Birthday? That’s right… Joanna’s birthday is coming up soon too!
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12:00 PM
Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Howell had never given much thought to Joanna’s birthday..
Yet every year on his birthday, she would always prepare a thoughtful gift. Not only that, she would personally cook a lavish meal, filling the table with all his favorite dishes.
The memory tugged at his thoughts, pulling him into a daze.
Margot could sense something was off about him, but she didn’t dare press for answers.
Feeling a bit hungry himself, Howell stood up, and the two of them left for dinner.
That evening, aber a day of shopping, Joanna returned to the Menzir family–just in time to ruis into Philip
ime to ruis into Philip, who had also just gotten home,
Joanna, perfect timing! Let’s eat.” Philip said with a warm smile. “By the way, how’s the apartment? Is it too smallr
“There’s a villa nearby, but it hasn’t been used in a while, so it might need some cleaning. If you’d rather stay there, I can have someone tidy it up.
“No need, Philip. The apartment is more than enough for me. Then, as if remembering something, Joanna reached into her bag and pulled out an elegantly wrapped gift box, handing it to him. “Here, I got you something. Hope you like it.”
Philip chuckled. “I don’t even need to open it–I know I’ll love it Joanna has impeccable taste.” Still, he opened the box and found a pair of dazzling cutlinks inside.
“These look great,” he said, grinning. You really shouldn’t have. I’ll wear them for the grand opening of the hot spring resort this weekend.”
Joanna beamed “Perfect! You’ll be the best–dressed man there.”
Philip reached out and ruffled her hair affectionately. “And you’ll be the most beautiful. Dress up nicely–I’ve invited a lot of people.”
“Of course!” Joanna readily
eadily agreed. “By the way, is Donald coming back?”
“No, his tour won’t be over until next month. I think he’s coming back to finalize an endorsement deal, Philip replied.
Since Donald was signed under the Menzie Group’s entertainment company, Philip always kept up with his schedule
“I miss him,” Joanna sighed. These days, she only got to see him on TV.
“You’ll see him soon, Philip reassured her, his gaze full of warmth.
Keisha had passed away when they were young, and as the eldest, Philip had always taken it upon himself to look after his younger siblings The weekend arrived before they knew it
Joanna packed her things and met up with Isabella to head out.
Since Isabella had just returned from a business trip, the timing worked out perfectly. The two set off to
two set off together in high spirits.
But when they arrived at the hot spring resort, both women were momentarily stunned.
They thought, “Wow! The place was even more breathtaking than they had imagined.
Sprawling across the vast landscape were rows of private villas, rach nestled among lush greenery. The entire resort exuded an air of luxury and tranquility. Just standing there, they already felt refreshed.
This place is incredible,” Isabella said in awe.
“Let’s go drop off our bags first, Joanna suggested. “There’s a ribbon–cutting ceremony soon, followed b
by a party with amazing food.”
“That sounds perfect Let’s ge–I can’t wait, Isabella said excitedly.
By the time they arrived at the event area, the ceremony was just about to begin.
Philipe spotted Joanna in the crowd and waved her over. Luckily, they had made it just in time.
As Joanna walked over, her eyes immediately landed on Philip’s cuffs. The cufflinks looked even better than she had imagined, perfectly complementing his suit. She reached out, lightly tugging at his sleeve to get a closer look before nodding in satisfaction.
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Chapter 25
Thilip, you look incredible,” she said, unable to hide her admiration.
Philip chuckled. “You’ve got great taste. Have fun with your friends today, and if anything comes up, call me. He knew he’d be busy with the event, so he couldn’t help but remind her.
“Relax, Philip Im not a kid.” Joanna teased, flashing him a playful smile.
“In my eyes, you’ll always be one. Philip said warmly, draping an arm around her shoulders.
g before him was infuriating.
The two of them chatted naturally, completely at ease. But to Howell, the scene unfolding
The moment he arrived at the resort, the first thing he saw was Philip and Joanna acting far too close for comfort, their body language casual yet intimate. They didn’t seem to care who was watching.
His blood boiled. It felt as though all the heat in his body had rushed straight to his head.
Standing beside him. Margot caught the flicker of anger in his eyes, and a triumphant smirk played at her lips..
She thought. Exactly as planned: She had wanted him to witness this–to see Joanna with another man, to let him feel the sting of betrayal, to finally let go of her.
Feigning surprise, she gasped dramatically. “So the cufflinks Joanna bought were for Philip… What exactly is their relationship?”
She spoke as if she were musing to herself, but her words were deliberate, designed to provoke
Theodora, who had also tagged along for the event, scoffed. “What else could it be? Just look at them–way too close to be just friends. Flaunting their relationship in broad daylight, no shame whatsoever?
Tonight’s gathering was packed with socialites and elites. The hot spring resort was ultra–exclusive, offering luxury and privacy at a level only the truly wealthy could afford. Naturally. Theodora wouldn’t miss a chance to attend
Margot let out a dramatic sigh. “Joanna is really pushing it. Has she completely forgotten her place?”
She subtly glanced at Howell, trying to gauge his reaction. But his face was unreadable, his emotions buried beneath a stoic mask.
Before she could stir the pot any further, the ribbon–cutting ceremony began. The atmosphere instantly shifted as applause and cheers filled the air, the crowd fully immersed in the celebration.
Everyone was caught up in the excitement–except Howell.
His expression remained dark, his jaw clenched as he watched Joanna on stage, smiling effortlessly as she cut the ribbon.
His stomach twisted with irritation. He thought, “Does she even know what she’s doing?
The moment she stepped down, he didn’t hesitate
Striding forward, he grabbed her wrist without warning and pulled her toward a private room.
Joanna gasped at the sudden movement, her first instinct to place a protective hand over her stomach
She looked up, only to find herself face–to–face with Howell’s stormy expression.
For a split second, she froze in shock. Then she snapped back to reality and yanked her arm away. “Let go of me
Howell’s grip tightened. His voice was low and form. “Joanna, have you forgotten? We’re still married”
“No. We just haven’t officially finalized it yet, ale shot back, her voice laced with frustration. “Since we’re here now, let’s set a date. Howell, I have no lelea why you keep dragging this out. What are you trying to do“”
Her defiance only fueled his anger. Without warning, he stepped closer, closing the distance between them.
Joanna instinctively frowned, and just then, a faint, cloying scent of perfume hit her nose. Her stomach lurched, Before she could even process it, nausea overlook her. She thought. ‘Damn it‘
She had suspected it for a while now, but this confirmed it—her morning sickness was s
starting
But she refused to show weakness in front of Howell. She thought. Who knows what he’ll think if he finds out? Howell’s eyes flickered with concern as she suddenly turned away and gagged.
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Chapter 5
“Joanna“” His grip loosened. “What’s wrong?”
Joanna took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. “Stay away from me You stink of pe
perfume.”
She barely managed to get the words out before gagging again. Her face had gone visibly pale.
Howell frowned and instinctively sniffed his sleeve. There was a faint scent-
-probably from when Margot had leaned in earlier.
But it wasn’t that str
strong. In fact, unless someone was paying attention, it was barely noticeable. Yet Joanna looked like she was about to pass out. His gare darkened as he studied her, suspicion creeping into his mind. He thought. What the hell is going on?”
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