Jojo and Coco's Unexpected Love

Chapter 630 The Dread of Growing Old Alone

Chloe stared at Joseph, her expression filled with mixed emotions. Thinking she was touched by his gesture, Joseph hurriedly explained, "I invested in their brand because I noticed how much you liked it. There's a newly opened store next to the Johnson Group."

Just then, a message from Emily popped up on Chloe's phone.

[Guess what? I snooped around, and guess what I found? That scumbag Joseph opened a franchise store for you two, and get this, it's called J&C! The initials of your names!]

Chloe was at a loss for words.

Joseph cleared his throat. "The brand added that as a gesture of gratitude."

"Joseph, just stop trying."

His heart sank. "What's wrong?"

"I won't forgive you," Chloe finally spoke the words that had been weighing heavily on her chest. Her eyes, devoid of any sparkle, remained as calm as still water. A shattered mirror could never be repaired, just like how she would never be able to trust him again.

Marriage was supposed to be a lifelong commitment, yet their first year together had been filled with misery. What kind of future did that indicate? What about in another year? Two years? Ten? Once the initial excitement faded, what would there be left for her? She dared not even think about it. A lifetime was too long, and she was afraid she would be sacrificing her lifetime of happiness.

A faint smile froze at the corners of Joseph's mouth. "What exactly do you want me to do? Do I not treat you well enough?" He had accepted her past with Icarus and accepted her and Icarus’ child. Just like her, he had done it, so why was she still unsatisfied?

"Your so-called good toward me doesn't even begin to outweigh the harm you've caused," she stated firmly. It was like receiving a slap and then being offered a sweet. She had reached her limit.

Joseph took a deep breath. There was pain etched across his face. "And what about you? Haven't you hurt me too? Since we've both made mistakes, why can't we find it in our hearts to forgive each other?"

Chloe suddenly lifted her head as she said defiantly, "It has always been you who has wronged me! I haven't done anything wrong!" Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Joseph's gaze fell on her swollen belly, his sharp eyebrows and eyes conveying unspoken thoughts. He knew that pregnancy made women more emotional, prone to being sensitive and suspicious.

Stirred by his unusual gaze, Chloe's voice grew louder, her words choked with emotion. "Get out!"

Joseph fell silent, choosing not to engage her in an argument.

Chloe grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it, shouting in anguish, "Just go away! I don't want to see you anymore!"

Joseph averted his gaze, catching the pillow that hit him and calmly placing it back on the bed. Then, he opened his arms and tightly embraced her. "But I want to see you."

"Don’t you have any shame?" Chloe laughed in anger.

A self-mocking expression appeared in Joseph's beautiful eyes. "No. What good is my pride if I lose the person I love?”

She trembled all over, turning her face away. "Are you crazy?"

"Yes, I am crazy. I went crazy the moment we were pushed to the edge of the cliff, and again when I saw Vanya almost crush you to death. I was scared out of my mind. I was so afraid that you’d die. That dread of growing old alone… The fear of facing days without you… That's why I want to keep you tightly locked by my side—to ensure your safety and shield you from any harm."

Chloe paused, realizing that his transformation was driven by this very reason. At that moment, a wave of emotions surged within her, making it difficult for her to articulate her feelings. Her eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.

In truth, on that day, she had also been consumed by the fear that he might have died. In the days since then, she had been plagued by nightmares. The image of him being crushed by boulders would repeatedly invade her dreams, causing her to wake up in tears every time.