When the Contract Marriage Ended, He Stayed

Chapter 38: Have You Fallen in Love with Her?

Xavier Group, CEO’s Office.

Aiden Xavier was standing before the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing down at the scenery outside when the harsh sound of a kicked-open door shattered his thoughts. Julian Sterling strode in, a disgruntled look on his face, complaining as he walked.

"What the hell were you doing last night? Never mind the chaos at the bar—after you left, your precious darling just cried and cried in front of me. It drove me nuts. If she weren’t your girl, I would’ve just ditched her there and gone home."

"I’m really curious, how do you put up with Raina Lowell? I’ve never met anyone who can cry more than she does." Julian shuddered at the memory. "Anyway, if a woman like that were around me, she’d eventually cry herself to death from my teasing."

Last night, after Aiden Xavier had dumped Raina Lowell on Julian Sterling, he had been busy searching for Hazel Hawthorne. Raina had called him many times, but he hadn’t answered any of them. He had assumed Julian had already taken Raina home long ago.

Seeing that he remained silent, Julian couldn’t help but continue his rant. "From now on, you can take care of your own woman. I’m not taking on that job again. It’s exhausting. I’ve dated so many women, and I’ve never met anyone like Raina Lowell."

No matter what he said, Raina Lowell just remained immersed in her own sorrow. She was the classic inconsolable type. You could talk until you were blue in the face, and she’d act like you were just spouting nonsense.

Julian later figured that if it had been Aiden Xavier, Raina Lowell probably wouldn’t have been crying.

That’s why it was such a headache for him—he wasn’t the one in Raina Lowell’s heart.

"So when did you two finally leave?"

"I don’t know. All I did was drop her off at home. But you still haven’t contacted Raina Lowell?" Julian was curious. He didn’t know about Hazel Hawthorne’s disappearance last night. He looked at Aiden Xavier seriously. "What on earth was so important that you’d abandon Raina Lowell to deal with it?"

Back in Freyburg, Aiden Xavier would drop everything at work and rush back just because Raina Lowell had a minor cold. But last night, he’d actually ditched her with him.

"Hazel Hawthorne was taken last night."

to the chaotic scene at the bar. He had been so focused on getting Raina Lowell home that he hadn’t paid much attention, but he knew something had definitely happened

connected it to

then suddenly asked, "Since when did Hazel

silent for a long time before Julian

would you ditch Raina Lowell to go

a knowing, enigmatic smile that greatly annoyed Aiden. "Hazel Hawthorne is my wife.

"Really? Just because she’s your wife? And not for

"Believe it or not."

yourself?" Julian said, crossing his legs. "I, for one, think Hazel Hawthorne is great. Compared to Raina Lowell, I much prefer

heard Julian say he liked Hazel, Aiden’s expression instantly changed. His gaze turned sharp, as if Julian

trying to steal your wife." After a pause, Julian’s nonchalant attitude returned. "Anyway, you and Hazel Hawthorne only have

even finish, Aiden answered without a moment’s hesitation, "We will never get a

firm reply left

Julian was

gave a dry laugh. "I was just kidding. Why are you being

feelings for Hazel Hawthorne without even realizing it. He was just about

thing,

...

was going on in Aiden’s head. If he didn’t like Hazel Hawthorne, why was he

He never cared about anyone who

business. Say what you want. But I’ll give you one piece of genuine advice: Hazel

* * *

Hazel Hawthorne was driven home by Aiden Xavier. The first thing she did when she got back was take a bath, desperate to wash off the strange, unpleasant smell clinging to her. She couldn’t get

face, so close to hers. For her, it was more terrifying than any