Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 69 Open Provocation

Faced with Ian’s apology and confession, Erin’s heart was thrown into chaos. She supported his body, preventing him from getting any closer.

The anxiety and hesitation in her eyes boosted lan’s confidence. He continued, “Erin, please just give me one last chance to make amends! I swear, I don’t even love Tracy!”

Recalling his initial betrayal, Erin’s heart ached. She asked tearfully, “If you don’t love her, why did you choose to betray me, our love, and our marriage?”

Ian grabbed her shoulders with both hands tightly and spoke urgently, “Don’t you understand? I’d only gone to her in the first place because all I had been thinking about at that time was giving you a taste of your own medicine! You kept resisting and rejecting me, so I thought you didn’t love nor trust me!”

“You thought I didn’t love you? That I didn’t trust you?” Erin’s smile was pale and tired. “If I didn’t love you, would I have married you? If I didn’t trust you, would I have given you everything I had then for you to start your own business?”

Thinking about the past, Ian’s eyes filled with tears. He sighed. “Of course, I know that now. It’s just–please just think of everything as my fault!”

Erin watched as the man she once loved admitted to his faults. Deep down, part of her had begun to soften a little.

Ian looked at her titled face under the dim light. She was so beautiful, so delicate. Instinctively, he tugged her chin toward himself and angled his face to kiss her.

Erin was still hesitating when her phone rang. It was Chandler!

Shocked, she pushed Ian away. The atmosphere earlier had gotten out of control. She almost forgave lan! She blamed and cursed herself for being soft–hearted.

Walking toward the dressing table, she grabbed her handbag and walked directly into the bathroom, locking the door behind

her.

Ian watched her coldly. He knew that Chandler must have called her.

In the bathroom, Erin pressed the answer button with some trepidation.

in

icy voice. How did he know that Ian was in her

sent someone

looked in the direction of Erin’s window on the floor at which she was located, all the while speaking through thinned lips,

is none of my business. I do not want nor wish to be someone else’s replacement!” Thinking about Claire made her anger flare up instantly.

deceitful young girl!” she

replied. “Replacement?

“Quit pretending. Claire loves Matthew, and you love Claire. You couldn’t have

replacement. There. I’ve said it. Are you happy now? Admit it. If you’re a fucking man, admit it—

||

you, and it does not

alright? I’m

downstairs. One minute later, and I’ll upload your photo onto all the

you–hey!” Erin was so mad that she hurled her phone against the bathtub.

voice sounded from outside the door. “Erin, are you alright?”

functioning properly. She suppressed the rage within her and stalked out of the bathroom. Without

then that she was about to go out. When Erin was dressed with her handbag at the ready, he grabbed her arm

discern the car’s license plate, from the wealth radiating from the

was amazed that Chandler could drive overnight and reach Southwrok County

and I’ll settle it myself!” Erin’s tone was evidently displeased. She was not in the mood to deal with Ian right now, and her

eyes flashed with anger. “Look at the time now! Are you going to see him in the middle of the night? He

“I have no

had been tried and tested many times. He had long found her most vulnerable spots

low? How much did he pay you for you to act like his prostitute, answering his commands and letting his wants eclipse your free will?” Ian’s eyes were red

The chains on her bag forced him to let go in pain.

all means, go ahead. If not, shut your fucking mouth. He has something on me, and I need

disappointment, and anger took hold of him. He could only watch as his ex–wife met up with another man in the middle of the night. He no longer had the right to

had wanted to control her, he felt powerless in light