Free Web NovelChapter 11: Chapter 11
Dylan stood up slowly, his gaze fixed on Elise.
"You’re serious?"
Elise let out a cold laugh. "What, do you think I’m still playing games with you? Trying to make you chase me?"
His lips pressed into a thin line.
He said nothing.
"Dylan, at this point, I can’t find a single reason left to convince myself to forgive you." Elise took a slow breath. "I’ve already moved out. I think my position is very clear."
Dylan frowned instinctively and glanced around the room.
Only then did he notice how empty it felt.
The skincare products that once cluttered the vanity were gone. The shawl usually draped over the chair had disappeared. Even the books Elise often read on the sofa were nowhere to be seen.
"When did you move out?" he asked, his brows tightening.
"Oh? Mr. Bennett finally thought to ask?" Elise’s voice dripped with mockery.
He stiffened briefly before replying, "I’ve been overseas on business these past few days. I only returned to the office this morning."
"How busy you must be," Elise said coldly. "Though I suppose it makes sense—you do have two households to support now." freёwebnovel.com
"Elise!" Dylan’s expression darkened. "I already told you. Quinn and Robin’s existence won’t affect you."
A sharp laugh escaped her.
"Dylan, if you want the luxury of having it all, that’s your business. But you are a tainted man." Her eyes filled with disgust. "I don’t want you anymore. You make me sick."
"Elise!" He strode toward her and gripped her chin tightly. "You think I’m filthy?"
Pain shot through her jaw, but she met his gaze stubbornly.
"Yes." Her voice trembled with fury. "I despise you. Dylan, you’re disgusting. You’re no longer worthy of being my husband—let alone the father of my child—"
Before she could finish, he lowered his head and crushed his lips against hers.
Elise froze for a split second.
Then she struggled violently.
Their breaths tangled chaotically, but she was no match for him.
In the struggle, he forced her down onto the sofa. Fabric tore sharply at her collar.
Fear flashed through her eyes, and she fought even harder.
One of Dylan’s large hands pinned both her wrists above her head. He lowered his head, his lips brushing against her ear, warm breath spilling over her skin.
His voice was rough and low.
"Who was it that begged me before, saying she wanted another child? Elise... I’ve spoiled you too much."
"I was stupid before!" Elise twisted away from his kisses, revulsion burning in her eyes. "Wasn’t it you who said I wasn’t fit to be a mother? So what exactly are you doing now?!"
"That mouth of yours needs to be shut."
His fingers tightened around her jaw as he ignored the fury in her eyes and kissed her again—hard.
Elise was completely trapped beneath him, unable to break free.
Finally, she bit down viciously. A muffled groan escaped his throat.
Pain shot through his tongue, and his body stiffened for a moment.
But the next second, his movements only grew rougher, until her lips and mouth ached, the metallic taste of blood spreading between them.
Even during the worst of the past five years, they had never fought each other like this.
Perhaps when the heart dies, even what once felt sweet can become unbearable.
When cool air brushed against her exposed skin, Elise realized she couldn’t escape him.
Her whole body began trembling uncontrollably. Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes.
Then suddenly, her stomach cramped violently.
A wave of nausea surged upward.
"—Ugh!"
Dylan froze. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
Before he could react, Elise shoved him away and stumbled toward the bathroom, one hand clamped over her mouth.
"Ugh—! Ugh—!"
Inside the bathroom, Elise knelt in front of the toilet, unable to stop vomiting.
Dylan stood in the doorway, watching her pale face as she retched.
Everything she had eaten that morning came back up.
Whether it was her emotions violently upsetting her stomach or simple pregnancy nausea, she no longer cared to distinguish between the two.
At least this had ruined his mood.
After rinsing her mouth and composing herself, Elise turned around—only to find Dylan still standing there, staring at her with a dark expression.
"Do I disgust you that much?"
"Yes." Elise answered without hesitation. "So I hope you’ll have the decency to cooperate. When the divorce papers arrive, sign them. Once we’re divorced, we’ll have nothing to do with each other."
"I’m not agreeing to a divorce." Dylan’s voice turned cold. "I won’t force you again. But divorce is out of the question."
"Suit yourself." Elise let out a mocking laugh. "If you cooperate, we can go through the normal process. If not, then we’ll settle it in court."
Dylan gave a low, humorless laugh. "No lawyer in this city will take a divorce case against me."
"Dylan, you really think too highly of yourself." Elise had no patience left for him. "I’ve said everything I needed to say. The rest can go through our lawyers."
Dylan frowned, about to speak, when his phone suddenly rang in his pocket.
It was the caretaker looking after his grandmother.
He answered immediately. "Mrs. Thompson? What happened?"
"Mr. Bennett, something terrible’s happened! The old madam suddenly collapsed—she’s being rushed into emergency treatment!"
Dylan’s blood ran cold.
***
Private Hospital. VIP Ward.
The old madam of the Bennett family had suffered an acute heart attack and was rushed to the hospital.
Fortunately, she had arrived in time. After emergency treatment, she was now out of danger.
By the time Dylan and Elise arrived, only Mrs. Thompson was in the room with her.
None of the other Bennett family members had come yet.
That, however, was nothing unusual. Both Dylan and Elise were long accustomed to it.
When the attending physician saw Dylan, he immediately stepped forward to brief him.
"Mrs. Bennett has an underlying heart condition," the doctor explained. "Once her condition stabilizes, I recommend minimally invasive surgery. It’s not considered a major procedure, but at her age, the risks are naturally higher. We’ll need to discuss the treatment plan carefully."
"I understand," Dylan replied calmly. "I’ll have my assistant contact several specialists to join the consultation."
The doctor visibly relaxed at once. "That would be ideal."
...
After speaking with the doctor, Dylan went directly into the room.
The old woman was already awake.
When he entered, Elise was seated beside the bed, carefully peeling an apple with a small fruit knife.
The old woman’s pale face brightened the moment she saw him.
"Ah, Dylan’s here."
He walked over. "Grandmother, how are you feeling?"
"Seeing you and Elise here already makes me feel better!" she said with a radiant smile despite her frail appearance.
With her beloved grandson and granddaughter-in-law by her side, even illness no longer felt frightening.
Seeing her so spirited eased Dylan’s concern slightly.
The old woman’s gaze moved between the two of them.
Then she sighed softly as she looked at Dylan.
"When I collapsed today, I really was scared. I thought perhaps this time... I might not wake up again." She smiled faintly. "At my age, I’ve already lived long enough. The only thing I still hope for... is to wait until you and Elise have another child. Then I’ll have no regrets."
At those words, Elise’s hand paused briefly over the apple.
She lowered her head, saying nothing.
Dylan glanced at her quietly.
The old madam mistook their silence for lingering grief over the twins.
"I know you’re both still hurting," she said gently. "But you’re still young. You can’t keep putting it off forever. Who knows? Maybe those children would still be willing to come back to you."
Elise’s grip on the fruit knife tightened slightly.
"Grandmother is right."
Dylan rested one hand lightly on Elise’s shoulder, his voice warm and steady.
"Elise and I have already started taking care of our health. So you must take good care of yourself too. We’ll do our best to give you a little great-grandchild by next year."
Elise’s brows knitted tightly.
She pressed her lips together hard, forcing down the surge of anger rising in her chest.
He was doing this on purpose.
But why?
Why was he pretending to be a devoted husband in front of his grandmother... when he already had a son with another woman?
The old woman turned to Elise expectantly.
"Elise?"
Elise closed her eyes briefly and drew in a slow breath. Then she looked up, meeting the old woman’s hopeful gaze.
"Dylan’s always been good at sweet-talking you, Grandma," she said with a faint smile. "As for having children... I think you should only believe it when you hear it from me personally."
